Brittle Nail Syndrome

 

Hello my name is Ashley and I have Onychoschizia.

According to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology (aocd.org), Onychoschizia or splitting of the fingernails is a common problem seen by dermatologists. The term onychoschizia includes splitting, brittle, soft or thin nails. Onychoschizia is more common in women.
Only very rarely are internal disease or vitamin deficiencies the reason (iron deficiency is the most common). One tip is that if the fingernails split, but the toenails are strong, then an external factor is the cause. Basically brittle nails can be divided into dry and brittle (too little moisture) and soft and brittle (often too much moisture).

I know I have an iron deficiency (I can't give blood because of it) but I've been taking an iron supplement for over a year now and my nails have actually gotten worse. My toe nails are so strong that I have said on multiple occasions that I'd love to switch them out with my regular nails.

I have always envied ladies with long nails (sorry guys but when you have long nails its just kinda gross). I've even had acrylic nails put on before but since the nail tech said my nails (mom and sister too) were so think that they would have to double prime us and still I would get serious lifting after just 1 week. I finally said enough was enough. I don't bite my nails. I try to keep them trimmed and shaped and even I put polish on them sometimes.

I have even tried out several different nail hardeners. I started back in January with a new one but it really isn't working. In fact my nails look even worse. UGH. 

I know poor me but I have to tell you I am actually very self-conscious about my nails. Oh and ladies who have to cut their nails because they are too long or one broke so everyone has to go . . . WAH! Suck it up . . . PPTHHPTHPFFTHPPPT!!! (I'm blowing raspberries at you) 

Mine is not this bad but you get the idea from the picture what I'm talking about.