Brittle nails

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Synonyms and keywords: Onychorrhexis; longitudinal split of nail

Brittle nails is a condition where the nails are fragile and break frequently.

It can be due to an infection or a nutritional disorder, but they can also be an indication of several other medical conditions, including iron deficiency, anemia, hypothyroidism, impaired kidney function, circulation problems, and biotin deficiency.

• Anemia
• Anorexia nervosa
• Biotin deficiency
• Bulimia
• Circulation problems
• Excessive strong soap and water exposure
• Hypothyroidism
• Impaired kidney function
• Infection
• Iron deficiency
• Nail polish remover
• Nutritional disorder
• Oral retinoid therapy
• Witkop syndrome

Brittle nails can also be considered as nails that show signs of splitting.

Image shown below is courtesy of Professor Peter Anderson DVM PhD and published with permission © PEIR, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Pathology

Brittle nails affects up to 20% of the population.

Some solutions that have been proposed include vitamin supplements, gelatin, glucosamine, reducing the use of nail polish, and ensuring proper moisture.

• Beau’s lines