Brittle or splitting nails

Overview

Repeated wetting and drying, nail polish remover, and aging make nails dry and brittle.

Rarely, low iron or thyroid problems play a role.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Brittle, peeling, or splitting nails

Less common

• Ridges

Look up a symptom: Brittle, peeling, or splitting nails

When to get medical care

Causes

Water exposure, chemicals, aging, and sometimes low iron or thyroid problems.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• Older age
• Frequent hand washing

Diagnosis

A healthcare professional looks at your nails.

Questions you may be asked

• Hand washing, cleaning products

The exam

A nail exam.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• Blood tests: If other symptoms suggest low iron or thyroid problems.

Treatment

Protect and moisturize your nails.

Self-care

• Wear gloves for dishes and cleaning
• Moisturize nails and cuticles after washing
• Keep nails short
• Use acetone-free remover

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Prevention

To protect nails:

• Gloves for wet work
• Moisturize

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a dermatologist (skin doctor).

Back to school, work, or sports

• Most people keep up normal school and work. Rest when you need to.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Some skin medicines, like isotretinoin and retinoid creams, aren't safe in pregnancy.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Improves with gentle care.

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Brittle or splitting nails