Reasons for broken nails
The causes of nail breakage can be summarized as follows:
- Hypothyroidism: Brittle nails are one of the primary signs of hypothyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone.
- Eating disorders: Human nails break due to eating disorders, especially in anorexia nervosa, as this condition is accompanied by intense fear of gaining weight, so people with anorexia suffer from thinning nails, and the reason for this is the lack of calorie consumption required for the growth and strengthening of nails, as indicated by an article In “Dermatoendocrinology,” the possibility of lines appearing along the nails, and their redness when suffering from anorexia nervosa.
- Biotin deficiency: Biotin is known as vitamin B7 or vitamin H, and it is a vitamin that helps the body metabolize the amino acids that the body needs to build healthy nails. Biotin, which is absorbed when eating different foods such as egg yolks, sardines, nuts, beans, and whole grains.
Nail break treatment
It is recommended to use moisturizers to treat broken nails, but they must contain the following ingredients:
- Proteins such as collagen and keratin, where proteins strengthen the cells in the nail, which leads to strengthening the nails, and increasing their resistance to cracks and division.
- Cataracts such as Vaseline, lanolin, and mineral oils reduce nail dryness and increase moisture.
- Locking moisture in the nail plate in order to prevent drying and cracking, and this is done with urea, lactic acid, glycerin, propylene glycol, alpha hydroxy acid, and phospholipids.
Prevention of broken nails
Nail breakage can be prevented as follows:
Read also:How do I change my external appearance?- Lemon juice and olive oil: Lemon juice and olive oil help strengthen nails and prevent them from breaking. To use it, you must mix 3 tablespoons of olive oil with one tablespoon of lemon juice, then apply the mixture to broken nails for 10-15 minutes, then wash them with water. This process should be repeated once or twice a week for 3 weeks.
- Nail trimming: Trimming nails so that they are short, square, and it is necessary to maintain the roundness of their tops.
- Use a moisturizer: Apply the moisturizer to the hands and nails several times a day, especially after the hands are exposed to water. The moisturizer should be applied again in the evening, and the hands should be massaged with it.
