Fingernails break. The reason for women, along, from the middle, peeling, how to treat, what to do, vitamins for nails

If you look at someone's hands very carefully, then you can determine from them not only how neat this person is, but also find out certain information about his health. If the skin of your hands is clean and smooth, your nails are pink and smooth, then this indicates good health.

When they begin to flake and break, the hands look unkempt and untidy. At the same time, a person loses self-confidence and involuntarily tries to hide his hands from the eyes of strangers. Such untidiness is often associated not only with cosmetic problems, but also with certain abnormalities that occur in the body.

A peeling, uneven nail plate is a consequence of dystrophic changes in the structure of the plate. It gradually becomes thinner and splits into separate scales.

This condition is characterized by severe fragility, brittleness, dullness, and dry nails. They grow very slowly, the surface of the plate becomes rough.

Doctors call this condition onychodystrophy . How this condition is treated, as well as the reasons for this phenomenon, will be discussed in the article below.

Why do nails peel?

If your fingernails peel, the causes of this phenomenon can be associated with many factors.

However, to understand this phenomenon you need to know about the structure of the nail. Its plate is made up of thin, tightly pressed horny plates of keratin , which determine the density, as well as layers of water, making it elastic. The nail plate contains a large number of different microelements: zinc, chromium, calcium, etc.

The nail plate grows when the germ cells in the light part of the base of the nail, which looks like a crescent, divide. The nail grows towards the free edge, gradually pushing old cells forward.

Structural structure of nails

Layering of fingernails occurs under the influence of a number of different factors. In this case, small cracks and gaps appear between the horny layers, and then a cavity appears, stratifying the nail.

If nails peel and break, the reasons can be both external and internal.

External reasons

The influence of external factors, exposure to chemicals, which leads to dehydration of the plate:

often lamination is due to the fact that a person comes into contact with household chemicals, hot water, alkali, etc.;
use of varnishes containing formaldehyde ;
frequent extensions;
improper removal of artificial nails;
using products containing acetone to remove or dilute nail polish;
constant hypothermia or exposure to dry air;
mechanical damage: improper pedicure and manicure, bruises and compression, occupational injuries to musicians and people working with certain machines and units, etc.

Internal reasons

Often parents cannot understand why a child’s nails begin to peel at the age of 2. The answer to the question of why a child’s toenails or fingernails peel is often due to internal reasons.

iron deficiency anemia , which develops due to a lack of iron in the body;
dysfunctions of the digestive tract, liver, biliary tract, endocrine system, in which the metabolism of minerals and their distribution in the body is disrupted;
malnutrition, when the diet lacks a number of vitamins , protein, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus. Very often it is this factor that affects the layering of nails in children;
since nails are a derivative of the skin, their condition worsens with diseases and skin lesions: lichen ruber, eczema , psoriasis , congenital epidermolysis , fungal diseases of the nails and skin;
hormonal imbalance in adolescence, during menopause (at this time there is a deficiency or, conversely, an excess of certain hormones);
poisoning with heavy metals, as well as certain drugs;
pregnancy period , when minerals entering the body go to the fetus, which develops (if there is a deficiency of a certain mineral, then the fetus takes it from the mother’s body).

Psychological reasons

Onychophagia - compulsive nail biting

Often the answer to the question of why nails break is psychological.

The following causes of brittle nails are identified:

the presence of a bad habit of constantly gnawing on them, knocking them on hard surfaces, etc.;
onychotillomania is a pathological condition in which a person seeks to destroy his own nails using any tools;
onychophagia - uncontrolled biting;
stress and depression .

Thus, there can be many reasons why women’s fingernails break. And the condition can only be improved if the cause of brittle fingernails is correctly identified.

External reasons

Some external factors can have a negative impact on the nail plate on the hands, which leads to its thinning and damage:

Conditions in which nails peel and break

Onychoschisis

In this condition, a median or symmetrical leaf-shaped splitting of the plate occurs. Only the free edge is split in the transverse direction, and its main part is not damaged. The nail may grow and not break, but its free edge becomes thinner.

Causes:

occupational disease due to the influence of alkaline solutions;
aggressive influence of varnish, etc.;
injuries that are constantly repeated;
improperly performed manicure;
the influence of polishing tools used during manicure;
low quality varnishes;
x-ray dermatitis ;
congenital epidermolysis .

Sometimes the color changes to off-white or greyish. Most often, plates are affected on the index, ring and middle fingers.

Treatment for brittle nails in this condition consists of long-term intake of vitamin A , ingestion of a 10% gelatin solution, and injections of vitamin B12 .

Onycholysis

A disease of a trophic nature. The plate separates from the nail bed. As a result, the nail plate completely or partially peels off from the side or from the free edge.

Causes:

professional injuries;
influence of alkalis or acids;
various skin diseases - eczema , psoriasis , streptoderma etc.;
endocrine disorders;
fungal infections;
syphilis.

The nail plate peels off and becomes white-gray.

It can affect either one or several plates on any fingers, including the toes.

Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the lesion. Syntomycin ointment is applied to the affected area for several days . It is also recommended to lubricate the affected area with Castellani Liquid . During the treatment period, you need to take vitamin A and gelatin orally.

Onychorrhexis

Longitudinal grooves appear on the nails; they start from the free edge, then split in the longitudinal direction. The process is complicated by the appearance of deep cracks.

Causes:

lichen planus;
eczema;
psoriasis;
diseases of the digestive system;
lack of vitamins.

Alternating stripes, light and dark, appear on the affected plates. The nails on the fingers and toes, one or several plates at once, may be affected. The use of vitamin A for 1 month is indicated.

Brittle nails

In this condition, the free edge of the nail plate breaks off, and the top layer of the nail or all its layers are destroyed. As a result, the edge of the plate becomes uneven, resembling a fringe.

With this condition, the nail fold is often damaged. When the free edge is carefully cut away, the plate appears healthy. However, as it grows, the nails again become thin and brittle.

If a person has too thin fingernails, the reasons can be both external and internal.

Causes:

improperly done manicure;
influence of low temperatures and chemicals;
endocrine disorders.

The color of the plate does not change, only its free edge becomes transparent or whitish, and chips of the plate are visible on it. As a rule, all nails are affected.

If your nails peel, what to do depends on the problem that caused such manifestations. In any case, if a person notices that over a period of time the fingernails or toenails become very peeling, or that the free parts of the nails are breaking, it is important to visit a dermatologist or mycologist.

But in some cases, only a specialist gastroenterologist or endocrinologist can tell you what to do if your fingernails peel, having discovered the internal cause of such problems during the research process.

Sometimes it is necessary to examine the plate for fungus and microelements; the doctor also often prescribes laboratory blood tests and hormonal tests.

A doctor can prescribe effective treatment only after determining the cause of the problem. Therefore, advice on what to do at home if your nails peel is not always relevant.

Use of medications

Sometimes the doctor prescribes certain medications to improve the condition of the nails. As a rule, dietary supplements and complexes of vitamins and minerals are prescribed. However, for those who are interested in what to do to prevent nails from peeling, it is important to take into account that such products need to be used for at least one month. Only in this case can you get a positive effect.

Proper nutrition

In addition to medications, for those for whom the question of how to strengthen their nails so as not to peel is relevant, it is important to take care of proper nutrition. It is necessary that the diet contains a sufficient amount of protein foods, vegetables, fruits, as well as foods high in calcium - dairy products, green leafy vegetables, nuts.

Carrying out salon and physiotherapy procedures

If your nails constantly break, you can ask cosmetologists what to do. In beauty salons, special procedures are carried out that activate blood flow and accelerate regrowth.

Paraffin nail application
This effect can be achieved using special procedures - wax and paraffin applications . To carry out this procedure, warm softened wax or paraffin is used, which is applied to the nail plate and soft tissue nearby and held for about 20 minutes. Those who have brittle nails should take into account that such procedures can be done at home.
Professional nail care can improve the condition of your nails and give them a healthy look. Such procedures include aromatherapy, nourishing masks, and hand massage.
The special Japanese manicure technique is also effective. It includes a hand massage, rubbing jojoba oil into the fingers, and after that a water massage of the hands. At the end of the procedure, a mineral mask and a special polishing powder containing beeswax are applied.
The procedure for sealing nails - if the nails are very peeling and there is a need to completely renew the plate. During the procedure, a salt bath is made, the plate is treated with a sanding file, and oil with vitamins and natural wax are rubbed into the nail. After the procedure, the effect lasts about 3 months.
Ultraphoresis of vitamins A and E is a procedure that allows you to “deliver” the necessary vitamins directly into the tissue. The procedure is carried out in courses of 10-15 sessions. A month later, you can conduct a second course of sessions.
Diathermy - the procedure involves heating the distal hands in order to activate metabolic processes and blood flow.
Hand massage allows you to improve tissue trophism and speed up metabolic processes. As a result, nail plates grow faster.

Vitamins for strengthening nails and growth

In summer, all the necessary vitamins for nails and the body can be obtained from fresh vegetables and fruits. In winter, the amount of nutrients in them is greatly reduced. What to do if the nail plate becomes brittle due to lack of nutrition? The lack of vitamins can be compensated with the help of special preparations.

What vitamins should women take after 35 years of age to maintain youth and beauty?

Before buying tablets, you need to find out which vitamins are useful for brittle nails:

Vitamin A. Responsible for the strength of the nail plate. This vitamin for strengthening nails is found in orange vegetables and fruits. Carrots, pumpkin, and bell peppers are rich in it.
Vitamins for nail growth of group B. Contained in cabbage, apples, tomatoes, carrots.
Vitamin C helps the body absorb vitamins A and B. It also helps maintain the thickness of the plate and strengthens it. With its deficiency, it becomes thin.
Vitamin E. The most important for both nails and skin. Prevents delamination, fragility, promotes plate growth. It is found in large quantities in vegetable oil.
Vitamin D. Needed for calcium absorption. Produced by the body under the influence of sunlight. To get the daily norm, a walk on a sunny day for 15-20 minutes is enough.
Biotin. Responsible for the production of durable keratin. With a lack of this substance, the plate crumbles severely. Contained in large quantities in:

mushrooms;
nuts;
egg yolk;
sardine

Important! Properly selected products will not only strengthen the nail plates, but will also help preserve the youth of the entire body.

Vitamin E for nails

Vitamin E is called the beauty vitamin. Its influence on the entire human body is difficult to overestimate. With regular use, its effects manifest as:

strengthening the plate;
softening the cuticle;
hangnails do not appear;
improving nail flexibility;
growth of the nail plate;
acquisition of a healthy plate shade and shine.

Vitamin E is necessary when combating the consequences of contact of nails and skin with aggressive cleaning substances. It helps eliminate the effects of a chemical burn.

Vitamin complex for nails

When purchasing vitamins for nail growth and strengthening, you need to keep in mind that some substances cannot be taken together. Thus, vitamin D cannot be taken with vitamin A. But without it, calcium cannot be absorbed in the human body.

Vitamin B1 is not taken together with vitamins of the same group: B2 and B3. Vitamin A is absorbed in combination with vitamin E, and B12 is combined with folic acid (vitamin B9).

When taking vitamin complexes, it is worth remembering that it is better to drink them with protein foods. Proteins are a “transport” for vitamins, therefore they accelerate their absorption. Fiber, on the contrary, helps remove them from the body without absorption.

The best vitamins for nails

Among the many products available in pharmacies, it is important to choose a complex that optimally combines all the necessary substances. The most effective and popular vitamins for nails include the following:

Vitamin complex Velnatal. It includes substances such as omega 3, biotin, folic acid, selenium, iron, vitamin B. The course of administration is 1 month.
Vitamin complex DOPPELHERZ Aktiv for nails. Contains vitamins B5 and B6, zinc sulfate, iron, millet extract. Due to the content of wheat germ, it stimulates the process of cell division. To get results you need to take a course of 30 days.
"Solgar" Includes vitamins B, D3, E, C. Also contains:

iron;
zinc;
iodine;
chromium;
silicon;
magnesium.

The course of admission is 1 month.

Complivit "Calcium D3". The basis of this complex consists of calcium and vitamin D3. In this combination, calcium is beneficial for both nails and bones. The course of admission is 1 month.
Brewer's yeast Bitra "Nagipol 1". The complex specially designed for nails and skin contains:

Brewer's yeast;
B vitamins;
vitamins K, F, E;
iron;
potassium;
selenium;
zinc.

Take up to 2 months.

Evalar for skin, hair and nails. Main cast:

sulfur;
lysine;
cystine;
brown algae extract;
calcium;
iron;
magnesium.

Helps strengthen keratin and preserve collagen in skin cells. Take for at least a month.

Evalar for nails

To improve the structure of nails and their growth, you can take general vitamins. You need to choose drugs that contain:

vitamins A, B, C, E;
iodine;
calcium;
sulfur;
magnesium.

What procedures can be done at home?

If you are concerned about splitting or crumbling toenails, you should first of all ask your doctor. But it also makes sense to carry out some procedures at home to improve the condition of your hands and nails.

First of all, you should not neglect hand creams that you use every day. When applying the cream, you need to thoroughly rub it into the cuticle area and each finger. It is better to choose products that contain vitamins, minerals, and plant extracts. If the cream is used regularly, the condition of the nails will improve. You can choose creams: Folk Healer , DiaDerm , etc. The cost of such products is from 100 rubles.
Therapeutic varnishes are special nail varnishes that peel and break, containing growth activators, vitamins and other useful substances. They seal the plate, protecting it from external influences. Some varnishes are also used as decorative ones. The cost of such funds is from 120 rubles.
Nail wax – protects against splitting. Contains beeswax and is used at home. Price – from 130 rub.
Healing mud – it contains many minerals and active substances. It is necessary to dilute the mud in hot water until it becomes viscous. After cooling to approximately 38°C, apply a large layer to the nails and leave for about 15 minutes. Wash off the dirt, immerse your hands in water with sea salt. Such procedures are carried out every day for a week. After some time, the course is repeated.

What vitamins are missing if your nails are peeling?

As it was already mentioned above, nails do not peel without a reason, so by identifying and eliminating the cause, your nails will become strong and healthy again. One common cause of this problem is a poor diet. Probably every woman has tried to go on a diet at least once in her life, and if not a diet, then due to a busy working day, many do not have time to eat on time. All this leads to a lack of very important microelements and proteins.

To correct this situation, you need to consult a nutritionist, with the help of whom you can sort out your diet and add the necessary vitamins and microelements. The course of treatment should last at least 4 weeks, but 5-6 months is best. As you know, a nail needs about one week to grow 1 mm, so it will certainly need six months to completely renew itself.

Traditional methods

Herbal masks

Herbal mask for nails

To prepare such a mask, any of the components must be crushed using a blender or grater. After mixing all the ingredients, apply the mask to the nails and distal phalanges of the fingers, leave for up to 15 minutes. The procedure should be carried out after a short massage or warming bath.

The following masks are useful:

from cabbage and potatoes in equal proportions with the addition of cream;
from carrots, with the addition of lemon juice and olive oil;
from cottage cheese and sour cream;
from bananas.

Wax film mask

You need to melt the wax in a water bath and cool it to normal temperature. Next, dip your fingertips into the viscous wax and remove, waiting until the wax hardens. You need to perform this procedure before going to bed, and in the morning, wash off any remaining wax on your fingers with water. Do this procedure 2-3 times every week.

Baths

Activating blood circulation will help improve tissue trophism. And this can be achieved if you regularly take baths with sea salt and essential oils.

To prepare such a bath, you need to take 1 liter of warm water, a couple of drops of any essential oil and 2 tbsp. l. sea salt. The essential oil is first dissolved in a few drops of vegetable oil. You need to keep your hands in the bath for 20 minutes, while performing a light nail massage. This procedure should be done 3 times a week.

Rubbing in medicated oils

Before going to bed, rub warm oil into each nail and soft tissue nearby. Lemon, sea buckthorn, avocado, olive, castor, and jojoba oils have a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin and nail plates.

Mask of iodine, clay and olive oil

You need to mix a little blue clay, warm olive oil and a few drops of iodine. After applying the mask to your nails, you need to wait 20 minutes. The procedure is carried out every day for a week.

Edible gelatin

You need to take edible gelatin jelly internally. It should be strong, and this jelly should be taken three times a day, 1 tbsp. l. for 3-4 months. The condition of your nails will improve significantly.

Vitamin and mineral sources

The best nutritional elements that nails need are obtained from different sources, which can be divided into 4 categories: food products, drugs, cosmetics, and traditional methods.

California Gold Nutrition, CollagenUP, Hydrolyzed Marine Collagen,…

★★★★★

1 305 ₽

Buy at a discount

California Gold Nutrition, Glucosamine, Chondroitin and MSM with Hyaluronic...

★★★★★

691 ₽

Buy at a discount

California Gold Nutrition, Hydrolyzed Collagen Peptides with Vitamin C,…

★★★★★

1 075 ₽

Buy at a discount

Food

To strengthen nails, the best vitamins are natural products. Any element is better absorbed with food.

Where to get B vitamins

Water-soluble B nutrients are found in most common foods. These are the most important and most accessible vitamins. Then why is B deficiency common? Usually the problem is associated with poor quality food, the predominance of junk food in the diet and the presence of diseases.

Please pay attention to the following products:

B1-thiamine is found in large quantities in sunflower seeds, sesame, bran, soybeans, peas, peanuts, pistachios, and pollock roe.
B2-riboflamin - dried porcini mushrooms, beef liver, milk powder and cream powder, beef kidneys, feta cheese, almonds are rich in the substance.
Nicotinic acid (B3). A huge amount of PP is observed in dried porcini mushrooms. There is also a lot of niacin in peanuts, sunflower seeds, tuna, bran, turkey, rabbit and chicken meat, beef liver, egg powder and mackerel.
B4 is found in eggs and soy.
B5 (pantothenic acid). There is a lot of substance in egg yolks and low-fat dry milk.
Look for B6 in pistachios, sunflower seeds, bran and garlic.
B7 (biotin) is found in almost all common foods.

For detailed content of the main food components, watch the video:

Vitamin B7 (Biotin) – functions, benefits, signs of deficiency, where biotin is found

Sources of retinol

For strong nails, consume vitamins A, which are high in the following foods:

Vitamin C content

Rose hips contain the most ascorbic acid - 650 mg, which covers the daily requirement of a healthy person by 929%.

The following components are also rich in vitamin C:

sea buckthorn;
dried white mushrooms;
kiwi;
bell pepper;
black currant;
parsley, dill, lettuce;
dill;
cabbage;
orange;
red rowan.

Interesting to know! How to prepare a healthy drink from rose hips without destroying the properties of ascorbic acid? Don't boil the berries! Otherwise C will evaporate. Pour boiling water over the fruits in a thermos. Leave it overnight. Add honey and sugar to the prepared infusion.

Vitamin D

To nourish the body with D2 and D3 in sufficient quantities, walk more in the sun, eat fatty fish (herring, salmon, chum salmon, mackerel) and drink fish oil.

Tocopherol

Foods rich in vitamin E:

sunflower oil;
Provencal mayonnaise;
sunflower seeds;
hazelnuts, almonds, pine nuts, peanuts;
margarine;
peanut, olive, mustard oil;
bran;
dried white mushrooms.

Almost all of the above components are high-calorie, so do not overuse them!

Vitamin K

A high content of vitamin K is observed in parsley - 1640 mcg, which satisfies the daily requirement of an adult by 1367%. Almost all greens are rich in this substance: lettuce leaves, basil, spinach, cilantro, green onions, watercress, dandelion leaves. And the richest vegetable is broccoli.

Magnesium

Help to replenish magnesium reserves:

sesame;
seeds;
bran.

Also, high magnesium content is observed in buckwheat and nuts.

Calcium in food

There is a lot of calcium in sesame - this is the most saturated component. Also noted are many types of cheeses, 45-50%, milk powder and cream powder.

Iodine

There is a lot of iodine in the following components:

Sea kale;
squid;
cod;
Shrimps.

Other seafood contains less iodine, however, it also has a beneficial effect on the absorption of this mineral.

Iron

Sesame, seaweed, and bran are the foods richest in iron. Lentils, soybeans, peas, beef liver, chicken yolk and buckwheat will also help replenish reserves.

Zinc

Zinc is found in wheat bran, pine nuts, seeds and hard cheese.

Selenium

There is a lot of selenium in wheat and oat bran, sunflower seeds and pink salmon.

Silicon

There is plenty of silicon in rice grains - 1240 mg, which satisfies the daily requirement by 4133%. Rice cereal contains less of this substance - 100 mg, which covers the norm by 333%.

Also rich in silicon and very healthy: barley, beans, chickpeas, rye, wheat, soybeans, lentils, oatmeal and pistachios.

Interesting! Knowing which vitamins are good for nails, you can make a list of the most saturated foods and hang it in a visible place (preferably on the refrigerator, above the bed, on the mirror, etc.). Re-read it every time before going to the store or before eating.

Effective and inexpensive vitamins for nails

Manufacturers of health products regularly produce products that are beneficial for nails. We offer a selection of the best budget vitamin and mineral complexes.

Brewer's yeast Nagipol 1

Nagipol-1, Skin hair nails, tab 500 mg n100

from 140 ₽

Buy

This is a cheap and super-effective drug that is intended for nails and hair. Includes a complex of all important nutrients. The drug should be taken 3-5 tablets three times a day with meals. You can buy it at any pharmacy. The course of treatment is 1 month. It is permissible to repeat the cycle two more times during the year with a break of 60 days.

KRKA Duovit

KRKA Duovit etc. n40

from 165 ₽

Buy

The composition includes capsules of two colors. Blue tint - minerals. Red - vitamins. You should drink two pills at a time once a day after breakfast. The inexpensive drug is intended for adults and children over 10 years of age. The course is prescribed by the doctor.

Complement with vitamin D3

Complivit Calcium D3, tab. chewing n100 (orange)

from 325 ₽

Buy

Inexpensive and effective fast-acting drug. Saturates the body with the daily requirement of calcium and d3. Children's Complivit with D3 is available in drops and powders and chewable tablets. Adults - in chewable capsules. Reviews of this product are mostly positive, no side effects have been identified. Sold in pharmacies.

Effective middle class drugs

Supradin

Supradin tab. thorn. n20

from 660 ₽

Buy

Swiss fast-acting drug. Designed for adults and children.

Supradin for women is available in effervescent tablets and capsules. Take one per day with meals. You should take the drug for 30 days. After 2-3 months, the course can be repeated. You can buy the products at any pharmacy.

Children's supradin is available in the form of fish, bears and a tasty gel that is spread on cookies. Children's lozenges are accepted in 1-2 pieces. Depending on the age category. The dose of gel for children is from 0.5 to 1 tsp.

Alphabet of cosmetics

Reviews of the alphabet for nail enamel indicate noticeable results during the course. Vitamins are good for peeling nails. You need to drink all three types of jelly beans of different colors every day. The order is not important, the main thing is to keep a break between doses - 4-6 hours. For prevention, it is enough to drink the drug for 3 months, taking a break of 1.5-2 weeks every 30 days.

Vitrum Beauty

Vitrum Beauty, tab. p.p.o. n30

from 790 ₽

Buy

The drug restores and improves the health of skin, hair and nail plates. Available in tablets. Accepted 1 piece. Twice a day during meals.

Solgar Skin Nails and Hair

Solgar, Skin, Nails & Hair, Advanced MSM Formula, 120 Tablets

1 459 ₽

Buy at a discount

This is a high-quality imported drug of American origin. It is better to buy dietary supplements in a reliable online store. The official website contains reviews of the product, detailed composition and description.