Brittle toenails are more than just a cosmetic concern – they can be a sign that something is off with your foot health or even your overall well-being. If you’ve noticed your toenails becoming dry, cracked or brittle, it’s important to identify the root cause and take steps to restore optimal foot health. Here’s what brittle toenails might be telling you about your foot health and how you can treat them.
What Causes Brittle Toenails?
There are several reasons your toenails might become brittle, ranging from moisture levels to underlying health issues. Understanding the potential causes can help you and your podiatrist address the problem more effectively.
Some of the most common causes of brittle toenails include:
- Too little or too much moisture. If your nails are exposed to excessive moisture, such as being stuck in sweaty shoes for long periods of time, they can weaken and become brittle. On the other hand, too little moisture can also make nails prone to cracking.
- Fungal infections. One of the most common causes of brittle toenails is a fungal infection, which can make your nails thick, discolored and crumbly. Fungal infections often develop in warm, moist environments like sweaty shoes and public showers.
- Underlying health conditions. Brittle toenails can sometimes indicate underlying health conditions such as thyroid disorders, diabetes or circulatory problems.
- Nutritional deficiencies. A lack of essential vitamins and minerals like biotin, iron and zinc can cause nails to become weak and brittle.
- Nail polish or frequent pedicures. Frequent exposure to nail polish and nail polish remover can dry out your nails, making them more brittle. Harsh chemicals in some nail products can also damage the nail bed.
- Age. As we age, our nails naturally lose moisture and become more prone to brittleness. This is a normal part of the aging process, but your podiatrist can help you manage symptoms with proper care.
How to Treat Brittle Toenails
In some cases, brittle toenails can be treated and prevented with lifestyle and/or diet changes. In others – particularly when an underlying health condition such as a thyroid disorder is the root cause – medical intervention may be necessary.
If you and your doctor have ruled out underlying medical conditions as the cause of brittle toenails, here are a few things you can try at home to help strengthen your nails:
- Wear breathable socks and shoes to prevent excess moisture exposure.
- Apply a moisturizer that contains nourishing and hydrating ingredients like vitamin E or jojoba oil to the nail beds.
- Take a break from nail polish.
- Eat foods rich in biotin, zinc and iron to support nail health, or add a dietary supplement if you have a known vitamin deficiency.
- Keep your toenails trimmed and clean to reduce the risk of infections.
When to See a Specialist
While brittle toenails are often treatable with at-home care and lifestyle changes, there are some cases when you should see a foot specialist. If brittle toenails are accompanied by pain, discoloration or thickening, this could be a sign of a fungal infection or another underlying health condition that may need the help of a medical professional. Additionally, if your nails aren’t improving despite your best efforts, a specialist can help you identify the root cause and recommend appropriate treatments.
Taking Control of Your Foot Health
Don’t ignore brittle toenails – taking action now can prevent more serious foot problems down the road. If you’re struggling with brittle toenails or have other concerns about your foot health, call us at 301-948-2995 or contact us online to schedule an appointment with one of our foot specialists to get expert guidance and personalized care.
