What Causes Thin, Brittle Nails?

Frequent hand washing, prolonged soaking, detergents, solvents, and removal of artificial nails can strip moisture from the nail plate. Picking, biting, or filing aggressively can create weak edges that peel. A fungal nail infection can also alter nail texture, while skin inflammation around the nail may interfere with growth. Because nails grow slowly, a past illness or injury may appear at the nail weeks later rather than immediately.

Keep nails short with a fine file, smoothing in one direction rather than sawing back and forth. Wear gloves for dishwashing and cleaning, dry hands well, and apply a plain moisturiser to nails and cuticles after washing. Pause artificial nails and harsh removers while the plate recovers. Avoid cutting cuticles or using nails as tools. If there is discolouration, debris, or lifting, ask about [Nail Fungus](/conditions/nail-fungus/) instead of treating the appearance alone.

Seek an assessment when several nails change suddenly, splitting continues despite protection, or the skin around a nail becomes sore or inflamed. Prompt care is appropriate for pus, increasing redness, severe tenderness, or fever. A single dark mark, bleeding, or a nail separating without an obvious injury should be checked. Bring a list of nail products, medicines, and recent illnesses so the clinician can consider triggers as well as local nail disease.

Does the pattern suggest product damage, trauma, fungus, or another condition? Should any nail be tested? Which moisturiser or protective routine would suit my work? How long should I stop artificial nails before review?