7 Causes of Weak, Brittle Nails—Plus, 4 Things You Can Do About It (2025)

Hapalonychia, commonly known as eggshell nails, is a chronic condition that causes the nails to become soft, thin, and weak. The nails typically feel very thin, like eggshells.

Aging is a common cause of nail thinning. Other possible causes of eggshell nails include environmental exposures, insufficient nutrient intake, and certain chronic health conditions.

Symptoms of eggshell nails include one or more nails that are very thin and brittle. The nails may break or tear easily. Treatment options for eggshell nails vary based on the underlying cause, and there are several options to address eggshell nails.

There are several types of nail abnormalities. Your nail health can give a clue into your overall health. Many nail problems are related to chronic health conditions or nutrient deficiencies.Some common nail abnormalities include:

  • Onycholysis: Occurs when the nail starts to lift off the finger
  • Paronychia: Nail infection that may cause redness and swelling or a greenish, black color
  • Koilonychia: Causes the nails to look scooped out like a spoon
  • Clubbing: Happens when the nails curve down and are inflamed

Hapalonychia Symptoms

Eggshell nails are often a symptom of a different health issue, and symptoms may vary. Eggshell nails may be:

  • Thin: May be noticeably thinner than normal
  • Unusually smooth: Extra thin nails may also feel smoother
  • Weak and brittle: Can lack strength, making them prone to splitting, tearing, breaking, or chipping
  • Soft and flexible: May bend easily with minimal pressure
  • Color changes: May have a bluish tint or be abnormally pale or see-through
  • Curved or misshapen: May curve downward or have an otherwise unusual shape

Eggshell nails occur when the nails become very thin and weak. Nail thinning and weakness can occur naturally due to aging, but other factors may weaken and irritate your nails over time. Other possible causes of eggshell nails include:

  • Environmental irritants: The most common cause of eggshell nails is exposure to environmental factors such as cold, dry weather or repeated wetting and drying. Exposure to chemicals in some detergents, cleaning fluids, and nail polish removers with acetone may also cause damage and weakness.
  • Nail conditions: Certain chronic skin conditions may cause nail changes like weakness and thinness. Lichen planus (LP) is an inflammatory skin condition that causes the immune system to attack the nails. Nail psoriasis is a form of psoriasis that causes dry, weak nails.
  • Iron deficiency: A lack of iron in the blood results in less oxygen reaching the nails, which can cause nail weakening.
  • Nutrient deficiencies: Low B vitamins, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids may lead to dry, thin nails. Other symptoms may include dry skin and fatigue.
  • Thyroid disease: The thyroid is a gland in the neck that secretes hormones and can affect your metabolism. An underactive (hypothyroidism) or overactive (hyperthyroidism) thyroid affects the skin and nail health and may lead to eggshell nails.
  • Raynaud's phenomenon: This chronic condition causes the body's blood vessels in the hands and feet to react too strongly to cold weather and stress. Raynaud's phenomenon also reduces blood flow to the nails and may lead to eggshell nails.
  • Cancer treatment: Chemotherapy and immunotherapy may stop nail growth and affect the health of the nails.

Diagnosis

Eggshell nails are often a symptom of an underlying health condition. When you see your healthcare provider, they will help determine the cause through various exams and diagnostic tests.

Your provider will start with a physical exam to inspect your nails and look for any other signs or symptoms of disease. They will also ask about your health history, current medications and supplements, eating habits, family history, and lifestyle choices (e.g., frequent manicures).

In addition to a physical exam and medical history, your provider may perform the following diagnostic tests:

  • Blood tests: Your provider may order blood tests to detect iron-deficiency anemia and other nutrient deficiencies. They will also likely check your thyroid hormone levels.
  • Nail culture: Your provider may take a small nail sample if they suspect a nail infection.
  • Skin biopsy: If your provider suspects your nail changes are related to skin cancer, they may recommend a biopsy.

The recommended treatment for eggshell nails depends on the cause. Addressing an underlying health condition can reduce nail damage.Here are some common treatment options.

Protection From Environmental Factors

Protect your hands from environmental irritants by wearing good-quality gloves or mittens in cold, dry weather. Avoid direct contact with chemicals and any other irritants. Wear gloves when touching cleaning products, take a break from painting your nails, and avoid acetone nail polish remover.

Diet and Nutrition

Work with a healthcare provider or a dietitian to change your diet or incorporate supplements, especially if you have a nutrient deficiency. They can help you get the nutrients you are missing through food or supplements.

Medications

Talk with your provider about switching medications, especially if your current prescription is the culprit. It may be possible to change your treatment or medication.

If you are undergoing chemotherapy or immunotherapy for cancer, your care team may recommend nail treatments you can do while taking your medication.

Good Nail Care

In addition to treating the underlying cause, you can improve eggshell nails with good nail care. Consider incorporating the following practices into your daily routine:

  • Moisturize your hands, feet, and nails every day
  • Keep your nails clean and dry throughout the day
  • File, shape, and trim your nails to keep them short
  • Avoid biting or picking your nails
  • Resist pulling off hangnails or other weak parts of the nail
  • Use a topical nail strengthener every day
  • Consider taking a biotin supplement, which has been found to strengthen the nails

Preventing Hapalonychia

Eggshell nails are often a symptom of a chronic health condition and cannot always be prevented. The best way to lower your risk of eggshell nails is to practice nail care at home by avoiding contact with harsh chemicals and protecting your nails from cold, dry air.

Wear gloves when touching household cleaners or chemicals, and do not use acetone nail polish removers. Keep your nails short and dry as well.

Eggshell nails, known as hapalonychia, occur when the nails become very thin and fragile, much like eggshells. The nails are often brittle, weak, and soft.

Possible causes of eggshell nails include environmental exposures, nutritional deficiencies, and chronic health conditions.Treatment options depend on the underlying cause and may include lifestyle and diet changes and supplements. Your provider will also recommend good nail care.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What vitamin deficiency causes eggshell nails?

    An iron deficiency may lead to nail changes such as softening and weakness. Other nutrients that affect the nails include calcium, B vitamins, and fatty acids.

  • What is the difference between hapalonychia and onchyolosis?

    Hapalonychia refers to eggshell nails that are very thin and fragile. Onchyolosis occurs when the nail starts to lift off the finger.

  • Can poor circulation affect your nail health?

    Poor circulation may affect nail health. People with Raynaud's phenomenon may experience changes to the nails and skin due to a lack of blood flow in cold weather.

7 Causes of Weak, Brittle Nails—Plus, 4 Things You Can Do About It (2025)
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