Brittle nails: causes and treatment

Brittle nails may feel thin, peel in layers, split at the tips, or break easily. Repeated soaking and drying, detergents, nail polish remover, filing, and picking can weaken the nail plate. Eczema, psoriasis, thyroid problems, iron deficiency, and some medicines can also affect nail texture. A fungal nail infection is another possibility, particularly when a nail becomes discoloured, thickened, crumbly, or separated from the nail bed.

Keep nails short and smooth rough edges with a fine file. Wear protective gloves for cleaning or prolonged contact with water, and apply a fragrance-free moisturiser to the nails and surrounding skin after washing. Avoid cutting or pushing back the cuticles, peeling product from the nail, and using nails as tools. Treatment depends on the cause: a clinician may examine the nail, review medicines and nutrition, or test a sample before recommending targeted treatment. You can read more about [Nail Fungus](/conditions/nail-fungus/).

Arrange an assessment if one nail changes suddenly, the nail is painful or swollen, the skin is red or draining, or the nail lifts without an obvious injury. Seek prompt care for a dark streak that is new or changing, especially if pigment extends onto nearby skin. Persistent changes affecting several nails also deserve review because the visible nail may reflect a treatable medical or dermatological problem.

Ask whether the pattern suggests irritation, infection, inflammation, or a wider health issue; whether a nail sample or blood test is appropriate; which products and habits to stop; and how long to try the care plan before reassessment.