Your fingernails play an important role in the overall integumentary system of your body, which also includes the skin, hair and glands. Your fingernails protect the sensitive nail beds at the ends of your fingers and make daily tasks–peeling fruits, gripping objects and being able to scratch an itch–easier. Nails are prone to problems such as onychoschizia (brittle nails syndrome), a condition in which the nails become dry and brittle. This condition can develop from several causes.
Hand Washing
Excessive hand washing, dish washing, or other activities that regularly wet and dry your fingernails are common causes of dry and brittle nails, according to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. This effect can be exaggerated by the environment such as in areas of low humidity or in dry winter air.
Nail Polish
The regular exposure of your fingernails to nail polish or other cosmetic nail products such as polish remover or nail hardeners can dry out the fingernails, resulting in brittle nails.
Minerals
Your nails rely on specific mineral, such as zinc and iron, to stay strong and healthy. A nutritional deficit of these minerals can cause your nails to become weak and brittle. Good sources of iron include venison, mussels and oat or wheat bran. Good sources of zinc include pumpkin seeds, yogurt, shrimp and spinach.
Aging
The natural aging process may also play a role in the development of brittle nails, according to the National Institute of Health. As you age blood circulation is reduced to your integumentary system. As the blood supply is reduced to your nails, access to vital nutrition and oxygen is reduced, contributing to brittle and dry nails.
Disease
Certain diseases and disorders may contribute to the development of dry and brittle nails. Health issues that may affect your nail health include tuberculosis, gland diseases such as hypothyroidism, psoriasis and Sjögren syndrome.
Stress
Stress may play a role in the development of dry and brittle nails, according to dermatologist and clinical psychologist Richard G. Fried of the American Academy of Dermatology. As mental stress builds, your body can become more reactive and sensitive to the surrounding environment, which can contribute to the development of brittle nails.
