Some of the causes of peeling nails are lifestyle-related, while others are caused by underlying medical conditions. Determining the cause can help your doctor find the right treatment, according to the health website Prevention.
Peeling nails in multiple layers can be a sign of a thyroid disorder or a fungal infection.
Common causes of peeling nails include:
hands are often wet
"The most common cause of peeling nails is frequent wetting of the nails," says dermatologist Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, of New York-Presbyterian Hospital.
This condition often occurs in hairdressers, janitors or people who do jobs that require frequent hand soaking in water. Not only that, hot and humid environments also make nails prone to peeling. The reason is that long-term exposure to high humidity causes the nails to swell and soften, leading to easy breakage and peeling when there is physical impact.
To prevent peeling nails, people should wear gloves when washing dishes or doing work that involves a lot of contact with water. If hands are wet, they should be dried quickly and applied moisturizer containing vitamin E.
Exposure to strong chemicals
Certain chemicals, such as those found in nail glues or detergents found in soaps, laundry detergents, and floor cleaners, can dry out nails. Nails that are too dry can also cause them to peel.
An effective way to prevent this is to limit exposure to these chemicals, such as wearing gloves when washing clothes. In addition, we can also choose products with low concentrations of detergents or those chemicals are of natural origin.
Lack of nutrients
Peeling nails are also caused by a lack of calcium, iron, vitamin D or vitamin B in the body. In particular, vitamins D and B play an important role in helping to form keratin, the main component that makes up nails.
A balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and protein-rich meats can help correct deficiencies. In some cases, your doctor may recommend supplements.
Thyroid disorders
Warning signs of thyroid disorders include fatigue, anxiety, lack of concentration, weight changes, and peeling nails. Thyroid disorders can slow down the regeneration of skin and nails. This results in older tissue remaining longer, leading to brittle, peeling nails.
Fungal infection
Nail fungus can cause nails to thicken and turn white or yellow-brown. The nails may also peel off in layers.
If you suspect you have nail fungus, see your doctor. If you do have it, your doctor will prescribe some antifungal medications to help your nail heal faster, according to Prevention.
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