by Dr. Elizabeth Rostan, M.D. Charlotte Skin & Laser
My nails are weak and splitting? What is up?
Brittle nails are weak and easy to bend, split, and break. The most common cause of brittle nails is dehydration of the nail, thus brittle nails are similar to eczema of the skin. Nails are made mainly of protein – keratin – as well as a sulfur matrix. Low protein in a diet can also lead to brittle weak nails, and nail strength declines with age as well. However, the cause of brittle nails almost always comes from external, not internal, factors – it is almost always the fingernails only that are affected while the toenails are normal.
Treatment and prevention of brittle nails is essentially the same – moisturize and protect the nails. Nails become dehydrated or dried out with exposure to water as well as solvents and soaps. Frequent hand washing with soap and water is a major cause. The repeat wet-to-dry cycle associated with washing and then drying the hands depletes their water content.
Nails should be moisturized every hand wash with a thick cream. Every time you moisturize your hands, you should also rub moisturizer into your fingernails. There are special moisturizers that replenish the outer layer of skin with its natural ingredients – ceramides and natural moisturizing factors. CeraVe cream and Eucerin are examples. Moisturizers that contain urea and lactic acid are the most effective for restoring moisture to nails and also smooth cuticles and rough areas on hands and feet.
Nail polish also can strengthen the nail by providing a protective coat that thickens the nail. The problem with polish however is that removing the polish is very drying to nail – so drying that repeat nail polish removal will make brittle nails worse.
If you use polish, you want to minimize removal or use infrequently. And if your nails are very brittle, then polish is not recommended at all.
Artificial, acrylic and gel nails are also not recommended because the removal process is very damaging to nails. In addition, the bond between your fingernail nail and the gel is stronger than the natural bond between your nail and the nail bed, thus lifting of the nail from the bed can occur with time. This condition can quickly become non-reversible.
What can you do in addition to moisturize and avoid risky treatments? Supplements containing biotin at 2.5 mg a day have been shown to help brittle nails and silica is also reported to help. There are now prescription medications that are applied to the nails to improve nail strength – Genadur and Nuvail. OTC nails hardeners contain formaldehyde can actually make nails more brittle and are not recommended.
www.charlotteskinandlaser.com
130 Providence Rd #100, Charlotte, NC 28207
Phone:(704) 333-9113
Dr. Elizabeth Rostan is a cosmetic dermatologist trained in both laser and cosmetic surgery, and began her practice in Charlotte in 2001. She continues to stay current on the latest rejuvenation techniques and procedures in order to help women achieve their cosmetic goals comfortably and confidently. At Charlotte Skin & Laser, the experienced, caring staff focuses on a patient-centered approach to promote healthy skin and healthy lifestyles. Outside the office Dr. Rostan enjoys wine, shoes, golf, horse riding, exercise and relaxing with her husband and 2 dogs Scooter and Lucy (sign up for our newsletter to see their crazy pictures). Enjoy her skin tips at www.scoopcharlotte.com & www.charlotteskinandlaser.com.
