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BRITTLE NAILS

Introduction:

Brittleness of the nails, also known as onychoschizia, means that nails can easily get cracked or chipped. Nails crack easily as a result of loss of elasticity, the most common cause of which is aging. Frequently soaking the hands in water, for example, swimming, dishwashing etc. can cause the nails to become soft, making them more susceptible to easy breakage. Improper nail care like leaving on nail polish for too long can also lead to brittle nails. A number of medical conditions can also lead to fragility of the nails including:

• Hypothyroidism
• Nutrient deficiency
• Menopause

Signs and symptoms:
Associated signs and symptoms of this condition include:

• Lusterless nails
• Dry skin
• Nail discoloration
• Ridges on nails
• Skin discoloration