Georgia
A 19-year-old female asked:
my nails break all the time, they split, peel. i'm really worried i almost can't grow my fingernails. what might be the reason and how to improve it?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in

Dr. Michael Fisher answered
Dermatology 32 years experience
Brittle Nails: One commonly cited cause of brittle nails is frequent hand washing or water usage. People who clean on a frequent basis will often have brittle nails, unless they take the necessary steps to protect themselves from being susceptible to such a nail condition. Genadur is indicated to protect intact or damaged or brittle nails but it is a prescription.
4743 views
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more. Get help now:
Similar questions
A 21-year-old member asked:
Why are therewhite marks onmyfingernails?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in

Dr. Gregory Hines answered
Family Medicine 24 years experience
Be checked: That sounds like mees lines, which can be a sign of heavy metal poisoning or renal failure.
6056 views
A 21-year-old member asked:
What causes ridges in yourfingernails?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in

Dr. Christopher Nicora answered
Internal Medicine 24 years experience
No worries: Vertical nail ridges extend from the cuticle to the tip of the nail. Vertical nail ridges often become more numerous or prominent with age, possibly due to variations in cell turnover within the nail.
If your fingernails change color or you develop horizontal nail ridges, consult your doctor. These changes could indicate an underlying health condition.
6060 views
A 39-year-old member asked:
What are the white marks on your fingernails caused by?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in

Dr. Ryan Phasouk answered
Family Medicine 18 years experience
Can be a lot: Fingernail disorders can be wide and varied as far as causes. Dermatologists are experts in fingernail diseases. White markings, called leukonychia, can be caused by trauma, infections, drugs, or other systemic diseases.
4276 views
VA
A 22-year-old member asked:
What are the little white marks on my fingernails?
2 doctor answers • 2 doctors weighed in

Dr. Gregory Hines answered
Family Medicine 24 years experience
Mees lines: They are an old indication of arsenic poisoning, but in fact, it can be an indication of any recent illness. They are benign.
5472 views
A 36-year-old member asked:
Why might someone have white marks on their fingernails?
1 doctor answer • 5 doctors weighed in

Dr. J. Lawrence Dohan answered
Dermatology 57 years experience
Maybe minor injuries: They are benign. Usually no cause is identified. No harm. They are tax-free. Ignore them.
856 views
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more. Get help now:
Last updated Feb 24, 2018
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
24/7 visits
$15 per month
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.