The weak and brittle nails can be a sign of anemia, especially if there are other symptoms, such as weakness, pallor, headache, tiredness or dizziness, for example, because in anemia there is a decrease in hemoglobin in the blood and consequently of oxygen, leaving the weak nails and with tendency to flake with more facility.
However, if a person has a habit of nail biting or daily use of cleansers without protecting hands, nails may also become weak and brittle.
When you notice that the nails are quite fragile, it is important to consult a dermatologist or general practitioner for tests to identify the cause and thus initiate appropriate treatment.
What can it be
The weakening of the nails can be indicative of some diseases or consequence of habits, being the main causes:
1. Anemia
Anemia is one of the main causes of weak nails. This is because in anemia there is a decrease in the amount of circulating hemoglobin, which causes the amount of oxygen transported to the tissues also to decrease.
Thus, any change that interferes with the oxygen transport process in the body can result in weakening of the nails. Know what the symptoms are and how to identify anemia.
2. Hypo or hyperthyroidism
In both hypo and hyperthyroidism weak nails can occur. This happens because in hypothyroidism occurs the decrease of the metabolism and decrease of transport of nutrients stops the body, making the nails more fragile. On the other hand, in hyperthyroidism to an increase in production of thyroid hormones, which stimulates nail growth, but are rather fragile. Learn to identify hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.
3. Use of cleaning products
The constant use of cleaning products without the protection of the hands with gloves, can dry the region and leave the nails more fragile.
In addition to the use of cleansers, frequent use of acetone to remove nail polish may also leave nails more fragile and blemished.
4. Poor nutrition and vitamins
Nutritional deficiencies can also result in poor nails, especially if there is little consumption of foods rich in iron, vitamin D, zinc, selenium and vitamin B, which can be found in meat and eggs, for example, and is responsible for keeping skin, hair and healthy nails. Find out what the sources of vitamin B7 are.
5. Dermatological diseases
Some dermatological diseases, especially when caused by fungi, can leave the nails weak and brittle, besides changing their appearance, leaving scaly, as in the case of psoriasis, for example. In these cases, it is important to go to the dermatologist so that the diagnosis can be made and the disease can be treated.
6. To nail the nails
The habit of gnawing the nails constantly can make them more fragile, due to the occurrence of microtraumas that facilitate the break. Check out some tips to stop biting your nails.
How to strengthen your nails
To strengthen the nails, it is important to take certain precautions, such as applying a strengthening foundation to the nails before the enamel, removing the enamel with banana oil instead of acetone, at least one day before nailing again, and wearing rubber gloves when it is necessary to use chemicals or to wash the dishes. Learn how to strengthen weak nails.
