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Management of simple brittle nails
Rigopoulos Dimitris1, Daniel Ralph
1Department of Dermatology-Venereology, Medical School, "Attikon" University Hospital, University of Athens, Athens, Greece. drigop@hol.gr
Dermatologic Therapy
|December 6, 2012
Summary
Brittle nails, often seen in the elderly, involve nail plate roughness, fragility, and peeling due to abnormalities in keratin, proteins, water, or lipids. Treatment can be challenging and requires significant patient cooperation.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Nail Biology
Background:
- Brittle nails present as nail plate surface roughness, fragility, and peeling.
- This condition is prevalent in elderly individuals.
- It is primarily linked to abnormalities in keratin, keratin-associated proteins, water, and lipid content.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the characteristics of brittle nails.
- To discuss associated factors and underlying causes.
- To highlight treatment challenges and patient cooperation.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on nail structure and composition.
- Analysis of factors contributing to nail fragility.
- Discussion of clinical observations and treatment strategies.
Main Results:
- Brittle nails are associated with altered nail plate composition.
- Idiopathic cases are most common, but dermatological and systemic diseases can be implicated.
- Treatment efficacy is often limited and patient compliance is crucial.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the multifactorial nature of brittle nails is key.
- Addressing underlying causes and improving patient adherence are vital for management.
- Further research into effective therapeutic interventions is warranted.
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