What will help peeling fingernails

Doctors call the condition onychoschizia. Nails consist of layers of a protective fibrous protein called keratin that also occurs in skin and hair. Keratin makes the nails strong, but external trauma or an underlying health condition can cause thin layers of the nail to peel away. When this occurs, it can leave the nails looking thin.

They may also feel sensitive or uncomfortable. Mild iron deficiency is often the cause of peeling nails. However, some external causes and underlying health conditions can also produce this symptom. Nails can take a long time to grow, so the results of external trauma may not become visible until many months later.

A mild iron deficiency is more likely than a severe underlying health condition to be the cause of peeling nails. However, it is still useful for people to be aware of other conditions that may cause peeling nails. If they have any other relevant symptoms in addition to peeling nails, they will know to mention these to a doctor. Below, we cover the additional symptoms of conditions that may cause peeling, brittle, or discolored nails.

Without treatment, a mild iron deficiency can become more serious and may lead to anemia. Anemia occurs when the body is low in healthy red blood cells and does not have enough hemoglobin available.

An underactive thyroid does not produce enough hormones. As well as brittle nails, an underactive thyroid may cause:. According to the American Lung Association , the symptoms of lung disease may include:.

According to a article , brown discoloration on the upper half of the nail may indicate kidney disease. The recommended daily intake of iron is 18 milligrams mg. Iron-rich foods include:. Research suggests that coconut oil is a safe and effective skin moisturizer.

Select basic ads. Create a personalised ads profile. Select personalised ads. Apply market research to generate audience insights. Measure content performance. Develop and improve products. List of Partners vendors. Sabrina Crews is a copy editor and fact-checker. Back in the day, nails were more than just fashion accessories. Early humans used them for digging, defense, and grooming. As the conveniences of modern life precluded those needs, nails became something we take care of, rather than the other way around.

One thing hasn't changed, however: Your nails can indicate the general state of your health. So before you treat your peeling nails with the following remedies, check your toenails, too. If they're also peeling, see a doctor to rule out health-related causes such as iron and other nutritional deficiencies. First thing to ask yourself: Why are my nails peeling? According to cosmetic dermatologist Michele Green , peeling nails also referred to as onychoschizia is a disruption in the nail caused by trauma, peeling of nail polish, filing the nail too much, and wearing false nails such as press on or acrylics.

Thankfully, there are ways to remedy them. Meet the Expert. Michele Green is a cosmetic dermatologist based in New York City. Ahead, check out seven fixes for peeling fingernails. Boost your intake of iron- and biotin-rich foods like avocado, whole grains, eggs, cauliflower, and lean meats. Lean meats, in particular, help build strength in the nails, making them less susceptible to peeling, breaking, and bending.

Plus, you'll reap more than just nail benefits with such a diet—it can give you more energy and keep you full for longer, too. Other nutrients found in vitamins can help build your nails' strength, as they work together with each other and with the foods you eat to keep all your body systems humming. LaylaBird Getty Images. Your hands are frequently wet. Alena Ivochkina Getty Images. Eucerin amazon. CND amazon. OPI amazon. Kaitlyn Pirie Sr.

Editor Kaitlyn started her career as a reporter in the research department at Real Simple and went on to become a health editor at Family Circle before joining the Hearst team. This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses.

You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below. More From Health. Created for From Prevention for Created by Prevention for.