Q My nails break frequently. What could be the reason? How can it be prevented? Can breaking of nails easily be attributed to any underlying disease?
Brittle nails are common, especially in women. The causes could be trauma due to repeated wetting and drying, recurrent exposure to detergents and water, and excessive exposure to harsh solvents in nail colours and nail polish remover.n Try using protective gloves while washing clothes, dishes and doing other work. Use gentle, less toxic brands of nail polish remover. Switch to well-balanced and nutritious diet as some deficiencies can also cause nails to break easily. Avoid junk foods as much as possible.n Some underlying infirmity like hypothyroidism, lung diseases, skin diseases (lichen planus, psoriasis, and alopecia areata), tuberculosis and malnutrition can break the nails.