Synonym(s)
brittle nails; Nail brittleness; Nail splintering; Nail splinters; Onychisis
DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.
Dystrophic disorder of nail growth with abnormal brittleness and splintering of the nails with longitudinal fibres.
Occurrence/EpidemiologyThis section has been translated automatically.
About 10-20% of the population.
You might also be interested in
EtiopathogenesisThis section has been translated automatically.
- Mostly unexplained etiology. Rarely congenital or familial.
- Possible exogenous causes: prolonged intense exposure to water and detergents, contact with alcoholic and fat dissolving liquids, intensive manicuring.
- Possible internal causes: hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, vitamin A and B deficiency, malnutrition, iron deficiency, calcium deficiency, zinc deficiency.
ManifestationThis section has been translated automatically.
Women are more frequently affected than men.
Clinical featuresThis section has been translated automatically.
Tearing, splintering, splitting the nail plate.
TherapyThis section has been translated automatically.
Treatment of the underlying disease.
External therapyThis section has been translated automatically.
Refatting care, e.g. ammonium lactate-containing external agents (e.g. Kerapil), if necessary masking the brittle nail plate (e.g. Zalain nail plaster); see also Nail care.
Internal therapyThis section has been translated automatically.
- Test with gelatine or biotin containing agents (e.g. Gelacet) 1 time/day 9 Kps. p.o. over 3 weeks. Afterwards 2 weeks break. Then repetition with 1 time per day 9 Kps. p.o. over 3 weeks. Maintenance dose over several weeks or months: 3 cps/day. Alternatively e.g. Bio-H-Tin 2,5 mg/day, or e.g. Pantovigar 3 times 1 Kps./day over 3-6 months.
- If necessary, additional iron or zinc substitution (e.g. zinc orotate once/day 20 mg p.o.; ferro sanol duodenal once/day 100 mg p.o.
LiteratureThis section has been translated automatically.
- Chao SC, Lee JY (2002) Brittle nails and dyspareunia as first clues to recurrences of malignant glucagonoma. Br J Dermatol 146: 1071-1074
- Fujimoto W et al (2005) Biotin deficiency in an infant fed with amino acid formula. J Dermatol 32: 256-261
- Jabbour S (2003) Cutaneous manifestations of endocrine disorders: a guide for dermatologists. At J Clin Dermatol 4: 315-331
- Jemec GB et al (1995) Nail abnormalities in nondermatologic patients: prevalence and possible role as diagnostic aids. J Am Acad Dermatol 32: 977-981
- Uyttendaele H et al (2003) Brittle nails: pathogenesis and treatment. J Drugs Dermatol 2: 48-49
- Fence H (1997) Brittle nails. Objective assessment and therapy follow-up. dermatologist 48: 455-461
Recommended articles
Incoming links (4)
Lichen nitidus; Nail brittleness; Trace elements, deficiency symptoms; Witkop syndrome;Disclaimer
Please ask your physician for a reliable diagnosis. This website is only meant as a reference.
Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer
