fingernails splitting......

[dragonmona]

What could be the cause of nails splitting below the white nail tip.

This did not happen before I started working out about a year ago. At first I thought it was lack of calcium so added some. No, that wasn't it. Then I thought I found the problem with low fat content in my diet (approx 15grams) and increased it to 30 or so grams. The nails were fine for a few months and now they are splitting below the line again.

Any ideas????

 

[dragonmona]

bump for info

 

[Inkman69]

Please someone help my baby out. Her nails are getting thrashed and we cannot figure out why. L2L

 

[Millie]

could be a vitamin deficiency

 

[Gladiola]

Are you getting enough healthy fat in your diet? I'm pretty sure fat helps nails.

Otherwise, I've had some luck with nail strengthening nail polishes, Sally Hanson brand "Teflon Tuff", & also using nail-strenghtening polish removers.

 

[FitFossil]

Found this:

I. Definition:

Onychoschizia or splitting of the fingernails is one of the most common problems that the dermatologist sees. The term onychoschizia includes splitting, frail, soft or thin nails and nails with ridges. Onychoschizia is more common in women.

II. Causes:

Repetitive and prolonged wetting and drying of the fingernails is the single most common cause of splitting and ridging of the nails.
Splitting of the nails is rarely caused by internal disease or vitamin deficiency.
Nail polish remover causes onychoschizia.
Trauma to the fingers contributes to onychoschizia

III. Treatment:

The best treatment is to avoid repeated wetting and drying of the nails. Try to wear cotton lined rubber gloves when performing household chores that involve getting the hands wet.
Rub lotions containing alpha-hydroxy acids such as Neostrata or lanolin containing lotions such as Elon into the nails both before and after getting the hands wet.
One study has shown that biotin (a vitamin) 2.5 mg a day taken by mouth is beneficial. Do not do this if you are pregnant.
Some patients are convinced that one pack of Knox Gelatin mixed with orange juice and taken by mouth each day will restore nails to a youthful state. There is no scientific data that supports the use of unflavored gelatin to strengthen nails.
Taking colloidal minerals and a multivitamin each day has been shown to increase the speed of nail growth which in turn leads to healthier nails.

See http://www.capederm.com/info_onychoschizia.htm
for more

 

[dragonmona]

Millie and Glad

Thank you so much for your input!!!

Fit,

Great info!!!!

 

[BatZgirl]

My Opinon

Ive heard it could be a iron dificiency. When I was younger I had the same problem, extremely week nails and people also told me it could be from lack of calcium, Do you get enough of this in your diet?

Another suggestion to make them stronger (trust me Ive tried it and it works): get yourself this awesome stuff called INOXXA ONE AND ALL. works like a bomb!!

 

[dragonmona]

Let's not rule out all the fun bacteria living on the barbells and other equipment.

LOL

Thank goodness I'm not squeamish!!