Over time, however, repeated exposure to water can weaken the nail. When nails become wet and then repeatedly dry out, the layers of keratin can gradually become more vulnerable to splitting. This is particularly common in people who wash their hands frequently, work with water, or regularly use household cleaning products.
Cleaning chemicals can make the problem worse by removing some of the natural oils that help protect the skin and surrounding nail area. Frequent use of nail-polish remover, especially products containing strong solvents, may also contribute to dryness and brittleness.
In many cases, these everyday factors are enough to explain why otherwise healthy nails have become fragile.
Could Your Diet Be Affecting Your Nails?
Nails require nutrients to grow normally, so nutrition can sometimes be part of the picture.
Iron deficiency is one example of a nutritional problem that may be associated with nail changes. In more pronounced cases,
