Are Your Toenails Brittle, Breaking, or Thin? You Can Fix That
Toenails can reveal clues about your health and lifestyle. While brittle toenails often just happen along with aging, they could also hint at a vitamin deficiency or a fungal infection.
By zeroing in on what’s causing your toenails to weaken or break, you can take targeted steps to make your nails healthier.
The term “brittle nails” may refer to nails that are more fragile than usual. These nails may split, flake, crumble, or lose elasticity, according to a research review.
Sometimes brittle nails may also be discolored or deformed, says Nelya Lobkova, DPM, a podiatrist and founder of Step Up Footcare in New York City.
Brittle toenails may feel thin and dry, and they may break, split, or even fall off, she says. And when the nail breaks, a layer of tissue, called the nail bed, becomes visible.
Brittle nails typically occur as you age, according to MedlinePlus.
In general, brittle nails (fingernails and toenails) affect up to 20 percent of the population and are more common in women over age 50, according to the research review mentioned earlier.
Dryness and cracking of toenails could also result from repeatedly washing your feet or from not getting enough moisture, says Bruce Pinker, DPM, a podiatrist and surgeon with Progressive Foot Care in White Plains and New City, both in New York.
Sometimes, brittle nails may result from an underlying health condition or a vitamin deficiency. Specifically, a lack of calcium or biotin — both of which contribute to strong, healthy nails — could result in brittleness, Dr. Lobkova says.
Hypothyroidism (when your body isn’t producing enough thyroid hormones) or Raynaud’s syndrome (a circulation disorder) may lead to brittle nails, Dr. Pinker says.
If you have a yellowish or greenish discoloration and flaking of the nail bed along with your brittle nails, you may have an underlying fungal infection, Lobkova says.
Nail fungus is more common in fingernails than toenails, and it may cause nails to crumble or become ragged, according to Mayo Clinic. If you notice any signs of fungus and your toes are painful or severely brittle, it’s best to see a doctor about treatment.
Brittle nails may also occur due to your lifestyle habits. For example, people who participate in activities such as long-distance running or kickboxing can develop brittle nails, Lobkova says.
“Also, wearing high heels with narrow toe boxes can cause repetitive trauma that leads to brittle nails,” she says.
Harsh chemicals like those found in nail polish removers may cause brittle toenails, too, Pinker says.
The first step to get treatment for your brittle toenails is to visit a doctor — either your primary care physician or a podiatrist (a foot specialist).
The doctor can perform an examination, take note of your medical history, and help you understand what’s causing your brittle toenails. They can then work with you to develop a treatment plan that’s appropriate for your situation.
“If the cause is vitamin deficiency, the diet needs to be adjusted accordingly, or vitamin B and calcium supplements need to be taken,” Lobkova says.
Taking a daily biotin supplement can improve nail health, according to Cleveland Clinic. Ensuring you get enough protein in your diet might help, too.
It is important, Lobkova says, to regularly get your blood levels checked for deficiency if you’re following any type of restrictive diet. She recommends seeing a specialist if you notice changes to the integrity of your toenails.
In the case of a fungal infection, a doctor can prescribe antifungal topical or oral medications, she says. A prescription topical nail–strengthener may also help support the integrity of your toenails and can work well to generally treat brittle nails, she says.
“Toenails grow at a rate of approximately 2 millimeters per month, so it will take at least three months of using the topical strengthener to visibly see changes to the toenail,” Lobkova says.
For older adults, it may take at least a year for a full toenail to grow out completely, Pinker says.
Along with checking in with a doctor, you can practice some simple lifestyle habits to help keep your toenails strong and healthy.
In general, drink plenty of water to help hydrate your toenails, Pinker says.
If your toenails are chipping and becoming brittle because you’re a runner, make sure the running shoes you’re wearing have a wide enough toe box for your toes, Lobkova says.
A little bit of toenail care can go a long way, too.
Keep your toenails cut short and trimmed straight across the top, according to MedlinePlus. Avoid using nail polish on your toes, and apply a moisturizing lotion after showering or washing your feet. Also avoid picking or tearing at your toenails or cuticles.
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