Brittle Nails

a_sav

Thanks for opening this thread interesting to read about your views, I too had lovely nails, am on 50mcg of levo for the past 2 years and noticed a marked diff how my nails grow then spilt at the slightest touch its as if the prsuure is tto much and peel Got commented they look like porcelain.I moisturise use almond oil to no avail have now noticed ridges dont get me started on the toenails socks & tights
Thanks op for the thyroid link

Mimi_Arc_en_ciel

starrystarry wrote: »

What do you mean by brittle?

They've snapped really far down (been snapping quite regular but this is unusual) and are peeling just below the tip edge

lisa26 wrote: »

I'm interested in your comments about being on levothyroxine as I am too. Are brittle/peeling nails related to that?

I'm not sure what level thyroxine your on - I had my thyroid removed due to a tumour. Your thyroid plays a role in calcium homeostatis (basically how much calcium your body gets) because my tumour was undiagnoised for 4 years i had very little calcium going through me and have a lower bone density than a "normal" person my age (hospital diagnoised before any one asks)

Just recently I've been feeling sluggish (in bed by 6pm normally :eek:) my hairs falling out at a more rapid rate (these are both normal for me but not normally as bad) and then my nails went horrid (which is very unusual) I had my levels checked on Monday - results today said my thyroid level is in the middle of the scales so they dont think it's that. They are testing me tomorrow to see if i may be anemic (i have been in the past) - i hope that all made sense!

JessicaFletcher wrote: »

I stopped using any form of nail polish - even the nail strengthening ones. Within about 2 months my nails were nearly normal.

I havent had nail polish on for a while

Mimi_Arc_en_ciel

It's definatley not down to my thyroid (or rather - lack of one! lol) nurse said to me many people who have a chronic issue (ha!) blame it on the obvious thing and dont think it could be anything

SO . . .whilst yes, the thyroixine MAY be an issue please do not assume it is definatley this. My case proves its not always what you think

It was funny because I came off the pill beginning of Feb and this is when i started feeling sluggish and generally crappy (those of you on thyroxine will know what i mean!) and my nails went about a week and a half ago so i didnt know if it was thyroxine levells (hence the re-test) but couldnt figure out how the pill affected my thyroxine lol

Nurse said pill doesnt - and that many people generally blame the thyroxine.

I personally dont think i am anemic, I know a symptom is weight loss. At the minute im struggling to keep my weight stable - some days i can put 5lb's on over night! (I wonder if im sleeping walking to the cupboards and choccies left over from xmas . . .)

I'm at doctors tomorrow morning so i will let you all know what she suggests (but obviously - if you have any concerns about anything health wise yourself - dont listen to me and go see your own doctor)

belfastgirl23

4nnabella wrote: »

Have just been looking on eBay and there's quite a lot of kits priced around the same as the cuticle oil on it's own, and they've got the oil in them, plus a load of other things.

http://health-beauty.shop.ebay.co.uk/Health-Beauty-/26395/i.html?_nkw=nevo&_catref=1&_fln=1&_trksid=p3286.c0.m282

Plus if you scroll down, then there's some cuticle oil on it's own for a few ££s.

Think I'm going to get some

Good find. The emery board is also excellent as is the nail 'polisher'. I was less keen on the handcream I had (the pink one) - it's very scented although it's probably good as a moisturiser DH kept complaining it smelt really strong Might treat myself too!

Mimi_Arc_en_ciel

Grr . . been to doctors today - always feel like they think im lying

Doctor tried to blame a poor diet at first, she then said they upped my thyroxine levels in september "because you insisted - your levels were fine" (Actually - i didnt insist, i hate changed in my meds, and if they was fine why didnt Dr's just leave my levels?!)

Back in to see nurse on monday for a full blood count

Busybody

My nails react baddly to nail polish! by peeling after the polish is taken off! I like to at least wear some polish on holidays does anyone know a polish that won't ruin my nails?

belfastgirl23

Busybody wrote: »

My nails react baddly to nail polish! by peeling after the polish is taken off! I like to at least wear some polish on holidays does anyone know a polish that won't ruin my nails?

I find using an undercoat and keeping my nails well moisturised when not wearing varnish helps. I use the Sally Hanson undercoat, whatever it is

mandragora_2

Might also be down to a vitamin deficiency or other factor- my nails are stronger in the summer when I'm

• not working, or doing housework, or gardening, because we're away in a caravan and there's nowt to do for a month
• sleeping and well relaxed
• in the sunshine
• eating lots of fresh veg, fish and fruit
• having more olive oil and lemon juice as dressings on my food

The chiropodist told me that for some people your nails may suffer from poor uptake of vitamins (vitamin B, I think, but I'm not sure) as a result of your body's reaction to yeast-based products where your body doesn't absorb the vitamins as well as other people might.

So any of the above might be a factor. I'm resisting the idea of 'reaction to yeast based products' as a cause of any nail problem for me, because the other thing I do in the summer when my nails are at their strongest, is drink more than my usual share of wine and eat a fabulous local pain au raisin every morning. I think that for me it's about relaxing, eating good products and being in the sun. I need to do it even more often!!

Cheapchick_2

I've been using solar oil on my nails - bought it from ebay months ago and it's still got loads left. I use that every night and nail envy regularly and my nails are much better for it.

Cheapchick_2

belfastgirl23 wrote: »

I find using an undercoat and keeping my nails well moisturised when not wearing varnish helps. I use the Sally Hanson undercoat, whatever it is

There are a lot of Sally Hansen products in Argos just now for £1! I have some reserved to pick up tomorrow.