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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Brittle Nails?

This may sound silly but I am in my early 50s and have never had a problem with my nails. Just recently my nails will not grow very far at all before breaking off, splitting, chipping or cracking. I can t grow any of them much beyond the point the ends turn white. I m not sure if it s a deficiency of some sort or a symptom. I have never had this problem before.
Mon, 23 Jan 2017
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Brief answer:
Apply moisturiser for nails and take vitamin supplements...
Wear gloves if you work with chemicals or do frequent wetting

Detailed answer:
Hi.. Thanks for asking health care magic..
First step is check whether only finger nails are problem or both finger and toe nails..
Situation 1:
If both finger and toe nails involved then it must be internal factor
-Then it will be mostly get corrected with BIOTIN, B COMPLEX, IRON supplements and application of any moisturiser to nails
-If there are some skin problems with brittle nail.. its best to consult dermatologist
Situation 2:
If only finger or only toe nails are involved.. then think of some external factor like working with some chemicals by hand, applying any cosmetic product to nails, frequent wetting of either hands or toes may be for washing dishes or swimming which may affect both fingers and toes

Finally as you are approaching oldage it may be just a normal thing of age where again it may be corrected with supplements and moisturiser

Hope my answer helps..

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What Causes Brittle Nails?

Brief answer: Apply moisturiser for nails and take vitamin supplements... Wear gloves if you work with chemicals or do frequent wetting Detailed answer: Hi.. Thanks for asking health care magic.. First step is check whether only finger nails are problem or both finger and toe nails.. Situation 1: If both finger and toe nails involved then it must be internal factor -Then it will be mostly get corrected with BIOTIN, B COMPLEX, IRON supplements and application of any moisturiser to nails -If there are some skin problems with brittle nail.. its best to consult dermatologist Situation 2: If only finger or only toe nails are involved.. then think of some external factor like working with some chemicals by hand, applying any cosmetic product to nails, frequent wetting of either hands or toes may be for washing dishes or swimming which may affect both fingers and toes Finally as you are approaching oldage it may be just a normal thing of age where again it may be corrected with supplements and moisturiser Hope my answer helps..