Flaky nails: causes, treatment and prevention

Flaky nails are a serious problem for many, because they look ugly and untidy. This article will tell you more about the causes, treatment and prevention of nail delamination.

The structure of the nail plate is quite complex. So, from below, each nail plate is covered with a small skin fold. It is called a roll or cuticle. This part of the nail is very important. The cuticle protects the nail from the penetration of various pathogenic microorganisms. If the integrity of the cuticle is violated for some reason, then this leads to the development of a number of pathological conditions.

The cuticle is represented by epithelial cells. They grow, and then, as they age, they simply flake off. If this part of the nail is not given proper attention, then as the epithelial cells renew, a number of problems may appear - for example, excessive dryness of the cuticle. This condition often leads to the fact that the skin roll begins to cling to clothing and be injured, which inevitably leads to the appearance of burrs.

The nail plate is conventionally divided into several zones. So, the body and root of the nail plate are isolated. The root, in fact, refers to the back of the nail, which is "hidden" under the skin fold. If the nail is not damaged, then it will not be possible to completely see its root with the naked eye. The only visible part of this zone is the white lunar roller. On healthy nails, it looks like a whitish strip that resembles half of the full moon. This part of the nail plate is called the lunula.

The root of the nail is a very important area. It is no coincidence that nature conceived in such a way that it is closed from external influences by a skin roller.Such an important area is also called a matrix. The cells that form it are actively dividing and developing. It is from this part that the entire nail grows. If the matrix is ​​damaged for some reason, then the full growth of the nail plate does not occur. The structure of this part of the nail bed is quite complex. Actively dividing cellular elements are called onychoblasts. Through biological transformation, they are transformed into epithelial horny cells, which form the main part of the nail plate.

The visible part of the nail plate has a complex structure, and its chemical composition is also complex. Interestingly, the strength of this part of the nail is provided by special proteins, the most important of which is keratin. Many people have heard about the existence of such a substance mainly from the media and various advertisements. Usually, manufacturers of beauty products and body care products add keratin to various shampoos and conditioners. However, normal strength of nails is impossible without this substance.

The molecular structure of keratin is very complex. Sulfur micromolecules are involved in the formation of each molecule of such a "building" protein. They are linked by special chemical bonds to each other, providing a unique structure of keratin. This structural feature makes it clear that any violations of mineral metabolism, especially those associated with an insufficient intake of a number of amino acids containing sulfur atoms, can lead to problems with the strength of nails.

It should be noted that even heredity affects the quality of the structure of this protein. Modern scientists are still continuing their experiments, which should identify specific genes responsible for the individual characteristics of the structure of keratin. However, it is already becoming clear that the construction of this "building" protein is strongly influenced by heredity. This factor can explain the fact that someone's nails almost never break, and someone, even using numerous cosmetic products for nail care, cannot restore the strength of the plates.

In addition to protein components, other elements are present in the nail plate, for example, lipids. These substances give the nails their specific shine. If, for some reason, the amount of fatty components in the nail plates decreases, then this leads to the fact that their appearance also changes. So, they become less shiny and look ugly. The nail plates are well supplied with blood. The nail bed, which is represented by connective tissue, contains many blood vessels. They provide blood supply to the growth zone of the nail. If there is enough blood, the nails will grow well and look attractive.

The nail plate consists of many epithelial cells arranged in layers. If the cell layers are intact, the nail remains intact. In this case, the density of cell layers can be different. So, in some people, the nails look quite dense, while in others they are thin and often break. The nail plates are quite resistant to various influences. For example, if they are not damaged, then various chemical components practically do not affect them. Some people clean at home and keep their nails healthy and shiny. In others, even when washing dishes with gloves, the nail plates begin to exfoliate strongly.

Another anatomical area of ​​the nail is the sinuses. Do not forget about them when carrying out a manicure.If you injure this area of ​​the nail, then you can later face various problems. The sinuses are located between the nail plate and the skin fold (cuticle). This area should be processed only with clean, disinfected instruments. In the case of inaccurate processing, an infection can be introduced into the sinus, which in the future will lead to suppuration.

Lamination of nails can be due to a variety of reasons. The degree of delamination also varies. With minimal damage to the nail plates, the appearance of the nails does not change much. They generally look healthy, but grow rather slowly. In this case, only the free edge of the nail plate breaks strongly, as a rule. If the nails are strongly exfoliated, then they already look untidy. Many women try to mask this problem by painting over their nails with decorative varnish. However, in such a situation, it is better to use not a decorative product, but a therapeutic agent. In this case, it is imperative to determine the cause of the developing disorders and carry out complex treatment.

Nails flake off not only on the hands, but also on the feet. Dermatologists note that most often the big toe crumbles. There can be many reasons for such changes - from traumatic to fungal infections. In this case, damage usually occurs from the nail bed itself. This condition requires a careful approach, as well as the obligatory determination of the cause that contributed to the exfoliation.

Splitting nails can occur for a variety of reasons. It is interesting that you can face this problem at different ages. So, nails sometimes exfoliate strongly in a child, the same attack is found in mature people, and even the elderly. Many people say that nails exfoliate only if the body lacks certain minerals. However, this is not quite true. Lack of mineral intake is only one of the possible reasons that can provoke this violation. However, numerous other factors also lead to the appearance of delamination of the nail plates.

Splitting nails can occur at an early age. So, marigolds sometimes exfoliate even in babies. Children's doctors note that this condition is often recorded in babies at the age of 2-3 years. At the same time, experts say that the causes of such a violation, as a rule, are internal, that is, they are associated with some changes in the functioning of the child's body.

Evgeny Komarovsky, a popular pediatrician, notes that each baby has its own individual characteristics, and it is necessary to identify the problem of delamination of nails strictly individually. In children under three years of age, iron deficiency anemia often leads to lamination of the nails. This pathology is characterized by a decrease in hemoglobin and / or erythrocytes in the blood. Such a pathological condition arises due to the fact that the child's body is deficient in iron.

Unbalanced nutrition is another factor that can lead to the development of this pathology. So, if the baby does not eat a sufficient amount of vegetables and fruits, then he does not receive the amount of minerals that his body needs. Insufficient intake of calcium, chromium or zinc can lead to the development of mineral disorders leading to the appearance of increased brittle nails. In babies who attend educational institutions, the causes of increased nail flaking are often associated with various skin diseases. At this age, such a problem can be caused by:

• eczema;
• psoriasis;
• fungal infection;
• congenital epidermolysis.

In adolescence, dyshormonal disorders can contribute to the appearance of strong lamination of nails.During puberty, the body changes the balance of sex hormones. Such rearrangements lead to the fact that a teenager develops various symptoms - for example, increased oily skin, brittle nails or seborrhea of ​​the scalp. Typically, these adverse symptoms disappear after the child grows older and "grows" out of adolescence.

Another pathology that often occurs in babies is onychophagia. This condition is characterized by the fact that the child, being nervous, begins to bite his nails. Interestingly, this habit is quite persistent. If a psychologist did not work with the baby in childhood, then the habit of biting his nails may persist for the rest of his life. Moreover, it manifests itself, as a rule, involuntarily. So, if a person with onychophagia has stress, then he uncontrollably begins to bite the nail folds. Usually such people walk around with burrs, and their hands look untidy.

Another bad habit that can be manifested already from childhood is the strong tapping of nails on hard objects. Usually this desire appears in people when they are very nervous. If you notice this for your child, then in this case you need to talk to him, and, if necessary, show him to a psychologist. In this case, a high-quality consultation from a specialist is necessary, as well as the conduct of the necessary psychotherapy so that this habit does not take root and does not become permanent.

The fair sex wants to look great at any age. Nails are a kind of "visiting card" of any lady. Well-groomed hands certainly add charm and even boost self-esteem. Thus, if the nail plates begin to severely break and crumble, then this causes psychological discomfort. There may be several reasons for this. Quite often, external influences lead to delamination of the nail plates:

• household chemicals;
• water, especially hot water;
• alkaline substances;
• soap containing chemical dyes and other additives.

Even frequent extensions can contribute to the problem of delamination of nails. During such a procedure, not only is a strong mechanical treatment of the nail plate is carried out, but also various chemicals are used, including coatings. In women who often build up their nails, the nail plates begin to exfoliate after the removal of artificial nails. The reason for this is the violation of the technology for removing the built-up elements.

The use of liquids containing acetone can also cause delamination of the nails. If you use such a decorative varnish remover too often, it can lead to the fact that the nail plates will be overdried. Acetone is a substance that can change the chemical composition of the nail. If a woman's nails are badly broken, then it is better for her to refuse to use such a tool.

Temperature additionally affects the nails. The low temperature causes the nails to peel off strongly. Usually, the problem of peeling nails occurs in women who do not wear gloves in the cold. Exposure to too dry air can also cause this problem.The nail plates contain a certain amount of water, and too dry air can dry out the marigolds, which leads to the fact that they begin to crumble strongly.

Mechanical external causes are an additional group of factors that provide strong delamination. A poorly performed manicure or pedicure may well cause this problem to appear. In addition, any traumatic damage can lead to strong lamination. A special group is made up of pathological conditions that were provoked by traumatic damage to blood vessels.

Internal causes can also cause nail delamination problems. So, nails often exfoliate in women experiencing hormonal imbalances. Thyroid pathologies also contribute. Also, chronic ovarian diseases, occurring with the development of an imbalance of hormones, can lead to a strong lamination of nails. In many cases, problems with breaking nails occur during pregnancy.

Before carrying out therapy for exfoliating nails, you need to determine the cause of its development. To do this, you should definitely contact a specialist. It is better that the initial consultation is carried out by a general practitioner. The doctor will examine the damaged nails and draw up a plan for the necessary examinations. After such a comprehensive examination, the doctor will determine which specialists are required to visit.

If the reason for the strong lamination of the nails was caused by digestive problems or mineral disorders, then in this case, you will need to consult a gastroenterologist. If the reason lies in hormonal disorders, you will be referred to an endocrinologist. Parents of toddlers with severe nail delamination need to visit their pediatrician and pediatric dermatologist. These specialists can determine the cause of this disorder, which means that it will be much easier to carry out its therapy.

The beauty of your nails depends on basic nail care. Dermatologists note that it is much easier to prevent the problem of pathological fragility of the nail plates than to treat it later. That is why they recommend that you definitely follow some preventive recommendations.

• When cleaning the house or washing dishes, use special protective gloves.
• Hygienic manicure should be carried out only with pre-disinfected instruments. If such processing is carried out outside the home, then it should be performed by a competent, experienced specialist who has received appropriate training and has sufficient work experience.
• It is very important to monitor your diet. The diet must contain various sources of nutritional nutrients, as well as important mineral compounds and vitamins for the body. Any diet should be balanced and take into account the individual characteristics of the organism.

For information on how to cure peeling nails, see the next video.