Ways to fight against brittle nails
NAILS that break too easily or are brittle could be caused by too much moisture, perhaps from frequently washing dishes or constantly wearing work gloves.
Aggressive cleaning chemicals or nail polish removal also dry out nails and rob them of their elasticity, according to the German-language magazine Apotheken Umschau.
The obvious solution is to stop coming into contact with water or chemicals so often, and to take special care to moisturise your hands with almond or olive oil.
Britain’s National Health Service recommends wearing rubber gloves to protect your hands while doing dishes or working with chemicals, as well as regularly trimming nails and cleaning them with a nailbrush.
It additionally advises that you avoid shoes that pinch your toes, especially during exercise, as well as picking at your nails.
Brittle nails, in some instances, can also be a sign of certain hormonal problems or psoriasis, for example. A fungus could be behind it as well, especially if the nail becomes discoloured, and thickens. In this case, it’s best to go and see a dermatologist.
You should also see a doctor if the skin around the nails becomes sore, red or swollen, which could be an infection or ingrown toenail.
To avoid small injuries while cutting your nails, use sharp scissors instead of a clipper. A glass file is also particularly gentle.
And as long as you’re having issues, it’s best to avoid nail polish and artificial nails, as they could further exacerbate the problem. – dpa