What deficiency causes fingernails to peel?

Mild iron deficiency is often the cause of peeling nails. However, some external causes and underlying health conditions can also produce this symptom. External causes include: washing the hands excessively.

Why are my nails cracked and peeling?

Damage: One of the most common causes of peeling and cracking nails is from repetitive exposure to water with swimming, dishwashing or bathing, chemical exposure, or repetitive trauma such as biting. These actions can breakdown the nail matrix which can weaken the structure and lead to the peeling and cracking.

What Vitamin Are you lacking when your nails split?

Nails that chip and break easily can be a sign of a nutritional deficiency or anemia. An iron or protein deficiency can result in weak nails, as can a lack of B-complex vitamins such as B12, calcium, biotin, hydrochloric acid or zinc.

Can iron deficiency affect nails?

Fingernails: Possible problems Often, spoon nails are a sign of iron deficiency anemia or a liver condition known as hemochromatosis, in which your body absorbs too much iron from the food you eat. Spoon nails can also be associated with heart disease and hypothyroidism.

What deficiency causes brittle nails?

– A deficiency in B-complex vitamins, especially biotin, will produce ridges along the nail bed. – A diet lacking in calcium contributes to dry, brittle nails. – A lack of folic acid and vitamin C can lead to hangnails.

What do fingernails look like with low iron?

Koilonychia is an abnormal shape of the fingernail. The nail has raised ridges and is thin and curved inward. This disorder is associated with iron deficiency anemia. Leukonychia is white streaks or spots on the nails often due to drugs or disease.

Can B12 deficiency affect your nails?

Both iron and B12 are necessary for keeping nails strong and healthy. A deficiency in vitamin B12 can result in entirely blue nails, bluish-black pigments with wavy longitudinal dark streaks and brownish pigmentation ( 5 , 6 ).

Why are my fingernails peeling off?

“If someone has never had an issue with peeling nails, and then suddenly multiple nails are peeling and there have not been other changes (as far as nails products, etc.), then it would be prudent to rule out anemia and thyroid disease.”

Are peeling nails a symptom of thyroid problems?

“Nail changes are more common with hyperthyroidism than hypothyroidism, but why it happens is still unknown,” says Caren Campbell, M.D., a San Francisco-based dermatologist. It’s important to emphasize, however, that peeling nails are not the only sign of thyroid conditions.

Can vitamin deficiency cause peeling skin around nails?

Vitamin B3 or vitamin B7 deficiency and vitamin A toxicity can all cause peeling skin around nails. Let’s take a deeper look at how vitamin deficiency or overdose can lead to peeling and dry skin around the cuticles of the nails. 1. Niacin or Vitamin B3 Deficiency

Is it an emergency if my nails are peeling?

Peeling nails rarely have internal causes or are cause for a medical emergency. However, if your nails are causing severe pain or bleeding in addition to peeling, you may want to seek urgent medical care. Most often, at-home treatments can reduce the incidence of peeling nails.