My nails are very thin and brittle. they always break and they even peel in layers sometimes. can never grow them out long. what can i do to help?

Get checked out.: Nails r an extension of the skin, and & skin is the largest organ of the body. Thus, health problems often first appear in the skin, hair, & nails. Brittle, flaky nails can b seen in mineral / hormone deficiencies (iron, thyroid, others). Also, exposure to chemicals (even nail polish) cd do it. Lastly, diseases like psoriasis & fungal infx affect nails. Discuss w/ a dermatologist or ur primary doc

Fingernails only?: Need dermatologist. Most common cause is repeated immersion in water, repeated exposure to solvents such as nail polish remover. It takes 6 months to grow a new fingernail. Once the nail is damaged, it cannot repair itself and requires a few months to grow stronger. You can begin by rubbing in a skin cream several times a day. Calcium and biotin will do nothing. Check serum iron.