Why Do Nails Delaminate?

There are many diseases related to nails, some of which are simply nail abnormalities, while others may be only a symptom. In daily life, some people may find that their nails have peeled off, and severe cases may be accompanied by severe pain. It is important to determine the cause of nail peeling as soon as possible. If it is caused by a systemic disease, timely treatment is needed. So, why do nails peel off? Let's take a look below.

1. Why do nails peel off? Nail peeling, also known as brittle nail disease, is an acquired nail disease caused by various reasons. Both systemic diseases and local factors can cause this disease. Congenital and familial cases are rare. Clinically, it is manifested as thin nail plates with longitudinal cracks and layered separation. Women have thinner nail plates than men and are more susceptible to external stimuli to form brittle nails. In most cases, all ten fingers/toes are affected at the same time.

a. Systemic diseases: Systemic diseases such as iron deficiency anemia, peripheral circulation disorders, hypothyroidism, and vitamin A or B deficiency can all cause this disease.

b. Local factors: Local factors are mostly caused by exposure to excessively hot water or alkaline soap stimulation.

2. How to treat nail peeling? Once nail plate damage occurs, it is necessary to actively treat the injured wound to avoid bacterial infection of the surrounding tissue, such as paronychia. Severe cases may develop recurrent paronychia infections. Actively treat systemic diseases and avoid local predisposing factors. Do not soak in water for a long time, and trim the nails short. Brittle nails can be seen in hypothyroidism, osteomalacia, and vitamin A and B deficiency. Therefore, calcium, iron, vitamin A, vitamin B, and iodine supplementation can be given. Brittle nails can be aggravated in winter due to low humidity, causing excessive water loss on the nail surface. Oil paste can be applied for protection.