If you’re wondering, “why are my nails peeling?”, then you’ve come to the right place. Here, experts break down what’s to blame for your peeling nails, from vitamin deficiencies to underlying health conditions.
Pimples. Split ends. Peeling nails. These three beauty blunders can all be filed under “things you know you shouldn’t pick but do anyway.” Hey, it happens. But just a friendly reminder that you might want to (read: should) stop getting so handsy, especially when it comes to peeling nails.
Your nails—their colour, shape, texture—can act as a window into your body, giving clues about your health. And in the case of peeling nails? They can be a symptom of many different conditions.
But don’t freak out: Split nails can also just be a normal result of aging. They can also be genetic or product-related (think: one-too-many gel manicures).
So, if you’re wondering, “why are my nails peeling?”, there are a lot of possible answers.
What should I do if I have peeling nails?
See a Podiatrist. Different types of peeling and discoloration can help identify the root problem, each of which has a different fix.
It’s also important to seek out an expert if split nails are a new and sudden issue that you’ve never had before. If someone has never had an issue with peeling nails, and then suddenly multiple nails are peeling and there have not been other changes (as far as nails products, etc.), then it would be prudent to rule out anaemia and thyroid disease.
Along with peeling, you should also consult your Podiatrist if you experience pitting (pits or dents in the nail bed), white streaking, significant ridging, bubbles, flaking, and fingernails falling off. All of these nail changes can give clues about internal and systemic health problems.
Why are my nails peeling?
Internal Causes
It’s pretty tough to self-diagnose one of these underlying problems, so it’s best to go see your Podiatrist, general practitioner or dermatologist). They’ll get a good patient history, go over lifestyle habits, review what they do for work, and some root causes can be determined on a physical examination. If they suspect a thyroid disorder or vitamin deficiency [or another kind of underlying condition] they’ll order blood tests.
Underlying Conditions
Underlying conditions such as anaemia (more on that later), tuberculosis, and endocrine hormonal issues can manifest in the nails. In addition to peeling, you might also see nail colour changes like yellowing, which can be related to lung health, or whitening, which can be present with kidney or liver problems.
Split nails might also be a sign of thyroid disease such as hyperthyroidism—when the thyroid gland overproduces hormones—and hypothyroidism—when it underproduces hormones. Nail changes are more common with hyperthyroidism than hypothyroidism, but why it happens is still unknown.
It’s important to emphasize, however, that peeling nails are not the only sign of thyroid conditions. In addition to other nail-related changes like curving, softening, or thickening skin above a nail, you might also experience unexplained weight changes, fatigue, sensitivity to temperatures, among many other symptoms
Skin Conditions (Such as Psoriasis)
Systemic problems that create inflammation in the skin—like psoriasis—or any inflammatory skin condition can also affect nails. And this is true no matter the location of the psoriasis-caused inflammation or rashes.
In these cases, you may also see significant ridges, pitting (shallow or deep holes in the nail), or discoloration, and the peeling will likely occur closer to the cuticle, near the nail bed.
Medications
Peeling nails can also be a side effect of certain medications, such as oral retinoids like isotretinoin. But this type of acne treatment is not the only medication that could be to blame, so definitely keep track of when your nails started peeling and talk to your doc about any potential side effects of new meds or even supplements.
Pregnancy
You can add peeling nails on the list too. This is due in part to the influx of hormones, which cause your nails to grow faster but not necessarily stronger. Many women experience faster nail growth during pregnancy, but for some, this can be accompanied by increased nail brittleness, breakage, grooves, or peeling
Vitamin Deficiencies
A common culprit of peeling nails are vitamins, or rather a lack thereof, according to the experts. Most specifically B Vitamins such as biotin and B12, which can also cause brown-grey nail discoloration.
You might also be dealing with anaemia or low iron levels that can lead to brittle or split nails or “spoon-shaped nails” (aka nails with indentations).
External Causes
This includes everything from how often you wash your hands, to the type of manicure you get, to the type of work you do with your hands.
Hand Washing and Dry Skin
Washing your hands frequently can sometimes lead to brittle, split, or peeling nails—something that’s especially relevant during the COVID-19 outbreak. Scrubbing on repeat dries out your hands and nails, which can cause problems with nail strength and suppleness. Water also breaks down the bonds between nail cells, therefore weakening their structure.
Dry skin and thus dry, peeling nails can also be a result of the weather or dehydration. The treatment here is simple: hydrate all day long and moisturize.
Manicure Faux Pas
Peeling [and picking] your nail polish off instead of using nail polish remover, wearing gel or acrylic nails and not using proper removal techniques, and using your nails to open things (that’s what scissors are for!) can all lead to nail peeling
Even the type of nail polish remover—more specifically, acetone—can cause problems. Although super skilled at removing layers of polish, it can also dry out your nails to the point at which, yup, they start peeling
Bad Nail-Health Habits
Even if you press pause on your weekly pedicures or manicures, you still need to take care of your nails to prevent further peeling. And this is especially true when giving yourself a DIY mani/pedi. Avoid filing your bare nail as this can weaken your nail, making it vulnerable to damage. And steer clear of your cuticles. Pushing back the cuticle or picking the skin around the cuticle or that little half-moon called the lunula, which is part of the nail matrix, can cause problems. If there is inflammation in the area of the nail matrix, that will prevent the nail from growing appropriately as well.
Now, if you’re a nail biter, it probably doesn’t come as a shock that your nails might start to peel. Not only can it damage the shape and curvature of your nails over time, but gnawing at your fingernails can also increase the risk of getting bacteria in and around the nail, and creates uneven splits in the nail which can then peel back.
General Tips to Prevent Peeling Nails
While the treatment for peeling and brittle nails very much depends on what the root cause is, there are things you can do to improve your overall nail health.
- Try a multivitamin.
Vitamin deficiencies can cause peeling, splitting nails. Taking a multivitamin or taking a nail vitamin that contains biotin and some other ingredients can be helpful if there’s a deficiency. Still, it’s best you consult your doc before popping any pills
- Care for your cuticles.
One of the keys to improving overall nail health? Treating your cuticles—which protect your nails so that they can grow stronger and healthier—to ample TLC. You want to grow the damage out as fast as possible.
- Hydrate your hands and nails.
Make a habit of moisturizing your hands and nails after you wash your help prevent excess drying and, thus, peeling nails. The same applies to your feet and toenails.
- Steer clear of excess water.
When you’re doing tons of dishes, cleaning, or any kind of ‘wet work’, wear gloves or gumboots.
- Keep your nails short.
Keeping nails trimmed as short as possible helps resolve the peeling of the nails more quickly as it results in less trauma to the nail.
For all your foot problems, call the experts.
Resonance Step + Stride Podiatry
0800 473 776