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Brittle Nails

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Natural Therapies

Herbs and Supplements to Be Used With Caution

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Brittle nails are soft and thin and can split or break easily. It can cause discomfort and embarrassment. There are many health problems that can cause brittle nails.

It can be treated with changes to lifestyle habits and proper nail care. Some people turn to natural therapies to help strengthen their nails.

Natural Therapies

Not Enough Data to Assess

BiotinA1, A2, A4
Specific bioactive collagen peptides A3

Editorial process and description of evidence categories can be found at EBSCO NAT Editorial Process.

Herbs and Supplements to Be Used With Caution

Talk to your doctor about any supplements or therapy you would like to use. Some can interfere with treatment or make conditions worse.

References►

Herbs and Supplements

A1. Floersheim GL. [Treatment of brittle fingernails with biotin]. Z Hautkr. 1989;64(1):41-48.

A2. Lipner SR, Scher RK. Biotin for the treatment of nail disease: what is the evidence? J Dermatolog Treat. 2018 Jun;29(4):411-414.

A3. Hexsel D, Zague V, et al. Oral supplementation with specific bioactive collagen peptides improves nail growth and reduces symptoms of brittle nails. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2017 Dec;16(4):520-526.

A4. Scheinfeld N, Dahdah MJ, et al. Vitamins and minerals: their role in nail health and disease. J Drugs Dermatol. 2007 Aug;6(8):782 7.

Other Therapies

B1. Cashman MW, Sloan SB. Nutrition and nail disease. Clin Dermatol. 2010 Jul-Aug;28(4):420-425.

Last reviewed November 2019 by EBSCO NAT Review Board Eric Hurwitz, DC
Last Updated: 5/26/2020

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