MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Brittle nails

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Brittle nails - causes

Contents of this page:
Illustrations	Information

Illustrations

Koilonychia

Brittle nails

Information Return to top

Question:
Are brittle nails any cause for concern?

Answer:
Low levels of zinc and iron as well as thyroid problems can cause brittle nails. Certain nail polishes, nail polish removers, and nail hardeners can also cause brittle nails. Often, however, brittle nails are a normal result of aging. See nail abnormalities.

Update Date: 4/15/2003

Updated by: Michael Lehrer, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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