There are many reasons for brittle nails but the following are some of the most common causes:

• Aging
• Long-term use of nail polish and polish remover.
• Chemical or toxin exposure. Nails that are frequently exposed to chemicals such as detergents, cleaners and soaps can become brittle. Brittle nails can be a side effect of chemotherapy and other targeted therapies for cancer.
• Dry weather
• Malnutrition
• Nails that fluctuate between being wet and dry are at greatest risk of becoming brittle. Prolonged exposure to water such as frequent swimming and dishwashing or cleaning can damage the nails. Also, frequent hand washing and constant application of hand sanitizer can lead to brittleness.
• Trauma. Frequent texting, typing, and nail-biting causes damage to the nail with resulting in splitting and fraying of the edges.
• Underlying diseases such as hypothyroidism, anemia, or Raynaud’s syndrome can lead to fragile, brittle nails.

Diagnosis

If your nails exhibit any of the signs of brittleness including chipping, peeling, splitting, or easy breakage, you should see your dermatologist find out what might be causing these changes and what you can do to treat them.

Treatment

There is no quick solution for brittle nails. Treatments require patience since nails grow slowly and it may take months to see improvement. The following may help in this process:

• Avoid drying out nails by wearing rubber or protective gloves when using cleaners, detergents, or harsh chemicals.
• Use moisturizers such as nail oils or conditioners to prevent excessive drying of nails.
• Limit manicures and avoid acetone-based nail polish remover.
• Avoid alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
• Keep nails short and minimize picking and biting at nails and cuticles.
• Biotin supplements may help strengthen nails in some cases but make sure to check with your doctor to make sure this is appropriate for you.

Outcome and Management

If the above treatment options do not lead to an improvement in your nails or they worsen despite appropriate measures, see your dermatologist determine whether there is an underlying medical problem that might explain your nail changes. Remember, the treatment of brittle nails is a slow process and it may take 6 months to see improvement.