Why Your Nails Are Peeling and What You Can Do To Stop It

Splitting and peeling nails, sometimes called onychoschizia, typically occur when the nails are weak or brittle. Nail peeling is often the result of aging, physical trauma, exposure to harsh soaps and chemicals, or overuse of nail treatments. Brittle nails that peel can also signal a fungal infection or iron deficiency, but this is less common. Although peeling nails are generally harmless, if the peeling continues untreated, it becomes harder to regrow your nails back to a strong, healthy length and appearance. The easiest way to prevent further peeling and restore your nails' health is to identify the cause of your peeling nails and protect your nails from future damage. Peeling nails are often caused by too much or too little moisture, leaving nails dried out or overly soft. In either case, the nails are brittle, weak, and prone to breakage. Peeling nails may look thinner or more transparent than normal. They may be ragged or uneven, with chips, splits, or tears starting at the nail...