As we age nails become brittle and harsh because natural oils and moisture are reduced. Another reason why nails split and fall are fungal infections. In the absence of a fungal infection, the causes of peeling nails may be:
- Soaking your hands excessively in water or using harsh detergents
- Using nailpolish removers or other nail products that contain harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde or acetone
- A diet deficient in the right nutrients.
You should be getting all of the following nutrients in sufficient quantities as a part of your diet for overall health and for the upkeep of your nails:
- Calcium
- Essential Fatty Acids
- C-Complex vitamins
- Vitamin C and Folic Acid
Some precautions you need to take to help prevent splitting nails:
- Whenever you moisturize your hands also rub some lotion into your nails.
- Don't use your fingernails as tools. Using them to open cans or peel off or pick out things can cause them to split.
- Nail polish removers containing acetone may dry nails out. Try not to use nail polish removers more than twice a month.
- When getting a manicure, don't soak your hands in a soapy solution. Plain warm water should be just fine.
- Ideally, just leave your cuticles alone. If you must remove them then push them back gently with an orange stick at home. Doing this at a salon may cause infections.
- While doing household chores that involve getting your hands wet, wear rubber gloves.
answered by S E