- What can it be
- 1. Anemia
- 2. Hypo or hyperthyroidism
- 3. Use of cleaning products
- 4. Diet low in nutrients and vitamins
- 5. Dermatological diseases
- 6. Bite your nails
- How to strengthen nails
Weak and brittle nails can be a sign of anemia, especially if there are other symptoms, such as weakness, pallor, headache, tiredness or dizziness, for example, because in anemia there is a decrease in hemoglobin in the blood and, consequently, in oxygen, leaving nails weak and prone to chipping more easily.
However, if the individual is in the habit of biting their nails a lot or using cleaning products daily without protecting their hands, the nails may also become weak and brittle.
When you notice that the nails are quite fragile, it is important to consult a dermatologist or a general practitioner so that tests can be done in order to identify the cause and, thus, start the appropriate treatment.
What can it be
The weakening of nails can be indicative of some diseases or the consequence of habits, being the main causes:
1. Anemia
Anemia is one of the main causes of weak nails. This is because in anemia there is a decrease in the amount of circulating hemoglobin, which causes the amount of oxygen transported to the tissues to also decrease.
Thus, any change that interferes with the oxygen transport process in the body can result in weakening of the nails. Find out what the symptoms are and how to identify anemia.
2. Hypo or hyperthyroidism
In both hypo and hyperthyroidism, weak nails can happen. This is because in hypothyroidism there is a decrease in metabolism and decreased transport of nutrients to the body, making nails more fragile. On the other hand, in hyperthyroidism there is an increase in the production of thyroid hormones, which stimulates nail growth, but they are quite fragile. Learn to identify hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.
3. Use of cleaning products
The constant use of cleaning products without the protection of hands with gloves, can dry out the region and leave nails more fragile.
In addition to the use of cleaning products, the frequent use of acetone to remove nail polish can also make nails more fragile and stained.
4. Diet low in nutrients and vitamins
Nutritional deficiencies can also result in weak nails, especially if there is little consumption of foods rich in iron, vitamin D, zinc, selenium and vitamin B, which can be found in meat and eggs, for example, and is responsible for maintaining skin, hair and healthy nails. Find out what the sources of vitamin B7 are.
5. Dermatological diseases
Some dermatological diseases, especially when caused by fungi, can leave nails weak and brittle, in addition to altering their appearance, making them scaly, as in the case of psoriasis, for example. In these cases, it is important to go to the dermatologist to make the diagnosis and treat the disease.
6. Bite your nails
The habit of biting your nails constantly can make them more fragile, due to the occurrence of microtraumas that facilitate breaking. Check out some tips to stop biting your nails.
How to strengthen nails
To strengthen the nails it is important to adopt certain precautions, such as applying a strengthening base to the nails before the enamel, removing the enamel with banana oil instead of acetone, at least one day before doing the nails again, and wearing rubber gloves when it is necessary to use chemicals or to wash the dishes. Learn how to strengthen weak nails.
