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Treating Weak or Brittle Nails

Overview

Home treatment may help repair weak, brittle, or splitting nails.

  • Wear disposable plastic gloves or rubber gloves with cotton liners.

    This will protect your hands from water or chemicals.

  • Apply moisturizing lotion directly to your nail.
  • Apply a moisturizer at bedtime.

    Cover with a white cotton glove or sock.

  • Apply nail polish to slow the evaporation of water from your nail.

    Do not remove and reapply it more than once a week. Nail polish remover may increase splitting and breaking if used too often.

  • Do not use nail lacquers, polishes, or adhesives if you think your nail problem could be caused by one of these substances.

Related Information

Credits

Current as of: November 16, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

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