What Your Fingernails Say About Your Hidden Health Issues

2.Split or Cracked Nails

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Daily exposure to harsh chemicals, cleaning products, and environmental factors can make nails brittle, weak, and prone to splitting along the length or width of the nail plate. Fungal infections and hypothyroidism, a common condition that reduces hormone production and affects metabolism, can also cause nails to split, crack, or become unusually fragile. If you experience other symptoms such as unexplained weight gain, persistent depression, chronic fatigue, cold intolerance, or dry skin, hypothyroidism may be a contributing factor that requires medical evaluation and hormone therapy. Split nails may also indicate significant deficiencies in essential nutrients including biotin, protein, iron, or other vitamins and minerals crucial for healthy nail growth and strength. Frequent hand washing with harsh soaps, prolonged exposure to cleaning agents, and living in cold, dry climates can progressively weaken nails and make them more susceptible to damage from everyday activities.

Protecting your hands with appropriate gloves during cleaning or gardening, moisturizing regularly with quality hand creams, and eating a nutrient-rich diet that includes adequate protein, vitamins, and minerals can help prevent these issues and promote stronger nail growth. Using nail strengtheners containing ingredients like keratin or calcium, keeping nails at a moderate length to reduce stress on the nail plate, and avoiding harsh nail treatments can further reduce the risk of splitting and cracking while promoting overall nail health.