What Are the Causes of Split Nails?
Usually there is no underlying disease associated with split nails. Nails crack and split for several reasons but this condition can easily be rectified once you pinpoint the cause. You can make them tough as nails once more. Does this Spark an idea?
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Over-cleaning
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Use gloves when washing Constant exposure to water and soap will cause nails to become brittle even in healthy individuals. Antibacterial hand gel tends to be alcohol-based; too much of it can dry nails and cause them to split.
Nails too long
Environmental dryness
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Cold weather drys out nails Seasonal dryness affects nail condition. In winter, being outside in the cold and then coming into a warm room dries out nails. In summer, too much sun will dry nails.
Nail products
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Take a break from polish Nail polish sucks the moisture out of your nails and can make them brittle. Nail polish remover is another culprit if used too often.
Eating habits
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Extreme low-fat diets can contribute to splitting nails. The human body does need fat. But you don't have to go overboard. Nails are complex protein structures; a little fat goes a long way for healthy nails.
Calcium and vitamins
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Vitamins will help maintain healthy nails Splitting nails can be caused by a lack of calcium or other vitamins. A diet deficient in vitamin B6, A, C, or E can cause unhealthy nails.
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References
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Claudia A. De La Garza Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Louise Docker Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Hoa Dang Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Barbara L. Hanson Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Brittany G Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Jo Guldi