Dry Brittle Nails: Is the manicure the cure or the cause?

Posted by dermcareonline on December 16, 2009 under nails | Be the First to Comment

Many women talk to their manicurist about problems with their nails. One of the most common complaints is brittle nails. That means that the nails have ridges, break easily, and sometimes the nails are hard or soft.

Brittle nails are commonly seen in the elderly, dry climates, or in people who excessively use nail polish remover more than 4 times a month. Rarely, brittle nails is seen in thyroid dissease or associated with the use of a medication.

Follow these simple suggestions to improve your nails if you have hard brittle nails:

• use soaps for sensitive skin like Dove, Oil of Olay, Prurpose, or Neutrogena for sensitive skin.
• minimize excessive hand washing or exposure to water
• wear vinyl gloves with cotton lining when cleaning or doing the dishes
• avoid excessive contact with raw foods, citrus products, detergents or chemicals
• minimize the use of nail polish remover
• keep nails short
• moisturize the nails especially the cuticles
• morning: use 10% Urea (Carmol) or Lac Hydrin, evening: apply a heavy creamy moisturizer or petroleum jelly to nails and cover with cotton gloves at bedtime.
• humidify the house if possible
• take a vitamin called Biotin Forte 3mg once a day with meals

If the nails are still a problem, you might want to speak to a dermatologist to see if there is another reason for the problem with your nails.