Common Nail Breakage Causes

Everybody wants naturally healthy and glossy nails. This however can be dream for those addicted to smoking or alcohol or for those engaged in other occupational responsibilities. Taking optimum care of the finger and toe nails van prevent brittle nails. Discover some common nail breakage causes and tips to mange or prevent them in the article below.

Nail breakage or cracking and peeling nails are the result of many factors that are contributed by moisture starved nails. Brittle nails can also come about by a low nutritious diet and improper care and maintenance of finger or toe nails.

Experts claim that about 20 percent of the population suffers from what dermatologists call the “nail breakage syndrome”. Not only negligence but some diseases also have a tendency to cause nail breakages. Whatever the reasons of your brittle nails, caring for them is essential as the appearance of nails reflect your physiological condition.

Common Nail Breakage Causes
Some common causes of nail breakage or brittle nails are divided into the following categories:

Physiological Causes
Nail breakage can be caused due to some physiological reasons like improper diet or our recreational and occupational habits such as these:

• Lack of calcium and essential vitamins like vitamin C and vitamin B12 which keep the nails strong, healthy and growing respectively.
• Lack of moisture
• Fungal, viral or microbial infections around the fingers or toes
• Aging
• Alcohol and smoking
• Drugs
• Stress

Physical Causes
Some deliberate or unconscious daily chores, habits or activities can also cause nail breakage as listed below:

• Excessive pressure or force applied to the nails while trying to fit longer and false nails
• Nail biting caused by stress, boredom, etc
• Tight and uncomfortable shoes
• Chill cold weather
• Gardening, washing dishes or cleaning

Chemical Causes
Use of certain chemically constituted products and cosmetics as listed below can also cause nail breakages:

• Acetone contained in nail polish removers
• Adhesives present in false nails
• Detergents
• Nicotine deposits
• Nail polish

Diseases That Can Cause Nail Breakage
Some diseases that are also related to the cracking or breaking of nails are listed here below:

• Hypothyroidism
• Raynaud’s phenomenon
• Psoriasis
• Sjogren-Larsson syndrome
• Malnutrition

Tips to Prevent Nail Breakage
These tips can help you prevent the onset of brittle and cracking nails:

• Avoid prolonged exposures to sun, wind and cold weathers
• Avoid washing your hands or feet too often
• Keep a check on the use of household detergents and nail varnishes
• Include fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet
• Keep your nails clean and trimmed
• Do not wear uncomfortable and tight footwear
• Manicures and pedicures can also prevent nail breakage
• Apply or eat edible moisturizers to hydrate your nails
• Wear protective gloves while cleaning, gardening or washing dishes, clothes, etc

Nutrition is the first step to healthy, shining and growing nails. In addition, keep your nails trimmed and clean to avoid nail breakage.