Find out the causes of nail flaking and how you can treat this problem at home.
There are several reasons why nails flake, from stress to poor diet, going through thyroid problems or leaving your hands in the water for a long time.
Learn in the following article causes, treatments and solutions for scaly nails.
Why do nails flake off?
As previously stated, there are various causes of nail flaking. See a doctor for a diagnosis. Let’s see the origins of this problem:
1. Lack of calcium
The origin of the scaly nails can be the lack of calcium. In that case, you should consume dairies, such as milk, yogurt, cheese, and also spinach, chard, and all green leafy vegetables.
In addition, you should avoid consuming soda, mate, tea and coffee because they do not allow optimal absorption of this vital nutrient. You can also consume vitamin A, B and D supplements or calcium.
2. Bad hydration
If the reason is poor hydration, it is recommended to consume fruits, liquids (water and juices) and also vegetables such as tomatoes, to prevent further desquamation.
Once a day you can put a moisturizer on the nails, if possible before sleeping or after staying in contact with the water for a long time (wash clothes by hand, plenty of dishes, bathe the children or do an immersion bath ).
3. Nail-biting
Those who eat or bite the nails usually suffer peeling, because the nails are constantly in contact with water (saliva).
4. Treatments that weaken the nails
Regarding aesthetics, some treatments or practices can damage the health of the nails, such as:
- the false nail applique,
- file overly,
- the use of enamels of poor quality or with too much formaldehyde,
- repetitive drying of nails when wet,
- removing the enamel with very aggressive chemicals (acetone also hurts the skin if it comes in contact with it),
- not let a day or two go by without enamel for the nail to “breathe”
5. Use of cleaners
Another cause may be contact with chemicals, such as disinfectants or cleaners, without wearing gloves. This must be avoided at all times since detergents, lavandins and other products generate irritation on the skin and flaking on the nails.
Thyroid disease can also trigger a problem in nail hardness. In this case, it is necessary to consult the endocrinologist to prescribe the corresponding treatment for this disease.
Finally, flaking can be due to stress or lack of sleep.
Tips to avoid scaly nails
- Do not use poor quality or too cheap enamels because they can contain harmful chemicals for the nails and weaken them.
- Use specific enamels to prevent scales from appearing. There are many cosmetic brands that offer products to treat this problem, within their “therapeutic” lines.
- Apply a nail strengthener three times a week.
- Avoid cutting or pulling the scales so that the nail matrix is not further damaged
- Dip your fingers in a bowl of water and apple cider vinegar about 3 minutes, twice a week
- Use a special file that polishes it slowly over the nail and removes the scales, leaving it smoother. Very frequent use is not recommended because the nail will be too fine.
- Soak a cotton ball with olive oil and run it over your nails to hydrate and seal the scales.
Homemade Nail Strengtheners
If your nails are scaling or are so weak that they break every now and then, a good strengthener is what you need so that they are strong and healthy in a short time.
In the market you can find a wide variety of brands and models of nail strengtheners, however, there are equally effective, cheaper and natural homemade recipes.
- Strengthening nail cream: it is made with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 of pure honey, 1 pinch of salt and 1 egg yolk. Mix all the ingredients and apply on the nails. Leave to act for 20 minutes and then rinse with warm water. It can be repeated three times a week.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Dip your nails in a container with this oil for several minutes before going to sleep or soak a cotton ball and massage your nails every night. If you mix it with almond oil you will make an ideal complement for your nails to be stronger (2 tablespoons each). Apply to nails and cuticles and leave on for 10 minutes.
- Strengthener “recharged”: if you have already bought a strengthener in the pharmacy or perfumery, add to the bottle 1 clove of crushed garlic, 5 drops of lemon juice and 5 of white iodine. Mix well, let stand 2 days and apply for two weeks in a row.
- Onion: cut an onion in the middle and put the nails inside, about five minutes. Let them air dry.
What do you think of these natural remedies in case your nails flake?