What should you know about brittle and weak nails?

Brittle nails may split at the free edge, peel in layers, develop grooves or break with ordinary use. Frequent handwashing, cleaning products, prolonged soaking, manicures, picking and minor injury can disturb the nail plate. Some people also develop changes from inflammation around the nail or a fungal infection, which may cause thickening, discolouration or debris beneath the nail. One appearance cannot confirm the cause, and several nails may be affected for different reasons.

Keep nails at a practical length and file rough edges in one direction. Wear gloves for wet work and household chemicals, dry hands and nails well, and moisturise the nail folds after washing. Avoid biting, peeling layers or scraping beneath the nail. Give damaged nails a break from harsh removers and artificial enhancements. Do not start antifungal medicine solely from a photograph; a clinician can decide whether testing is appropriate.

Arrange medical advice if a nail becomes thick, yellow, crumbly, painful or separated from its bed, or if changes spread to other nails. Seek prompt care for redness, warmth, swelling, pus, a dark mark that does not grow out, or a sudden major change. Nail Fungus is one possible topic to discuss, but brittle nails have several possible explanations.

Does this look like surface damage, inflammation or infection? Should the nail be tested before treatment? Could a medicine, skin condition or general health issue be contributing? How should I protect the nail while it grows out?