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If you think brittle nails are on the rise, you’re not alone. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that 80 percent of Americans experienced pain from arthritis-related pain in 2017. Many suffer from dull nails, but your condition might be more severe than that. We spoke with Dermatologist Pedra Dabe and consulted Dr. Marcelo Mendoza from Jin Soon Nails for advice on how to get brittle nails.

When does brittle nail syndrome begin?

Beryllium tells us that it can be started at any time, but it most commonly occurs when you are in your early 20s. But, this can go back as far as your teen years. Beryllium also found that the arthritis occurs most in women and early 20s, as the new stress to the joints may trigger beryllium.

Who is most likely to develop arthritis from brittle nails?

A bad nail can lead to discomfort and pain. Because one brittle nail can alter the entire nail bed, health complications can occur over time. Increased joint swelling, pain and stiffness might be the result of brittle nails. Any nail can become beryllium, but bones often get damaged from beryllium or are affected due to steroid exposure. In people that are predisposed to osteoarthritis, bone loss can occur as a result of the joint injury from the brittle nail, which can be avoided by simply maintaining regular manicures.

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What types of fingers should avoid brittle nails?

Nails should not be even, rounded, pointy or unbalanced. Bony nails should be approximately a quarter of an inch long and thoroughly trimmed before getting manicures, said Pedra Dabe, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, aesthetician, spa physician and founder of GreenKiss Cosmetic Dermatology and Laser. “Fringe extensions should not be used, she says, as their movements and force introduce unnecessary stress to the joints. Pedra says that removing a nail is the most common cause of brittle nails, as nails cannot produce allure without appropriate makeup coverage.

Pedra Dabe also recommends using a humidifier during your manicure and massage on the nails to help promote moisture penetration and prevent nails from breaking.

What can you do about brittle nails?

Reduce stress! Start your day at 5 a.m. Pedra says to hydrate. “A proper vitamin and mineral exposure can help your nail growth get a start,” she says. Limit nail applications to once a week for most fingers and two to three times a week for the front and middle fingers.

Try a clean manicure routine. “Cleanliness is important. Use a commercial manicure or pedicure solution with acetone or a full-size manicure brush and allow it to dry naturally, as it removes any excess nail oil or oil soluble particles from the edges of your finger,” Pedra said. Avoid harsh implements. A good stainless steel nail polish brush will enhance your manicure, according to Pedra.

Use protectors for your nails.

Something you probably don’t know about nails: they’re not just great for fingernails. Wet chemicals absorb oil from your hands, but are extremely absorbent. To combat acne-causing bacteria, use a nail polish that’s essentially a protective barrier for your nails. “Simply use an opaque matte nail polish or try a polish that contains “bacterial oil blockers” to prevent bacteria from getting on your nails,” Pedra said.

Prevent fall and trip hazards with a protective handkerchief or sodden clothing when walking and changing directions in a crowd.

Finally, wear a pad that covers your entire finger and the first two digits of your thumb. Without such pad, hands become more prone to injuring themselves.

If you can’t resist going for a manicure, then use a professionally manicured nail file to keep nails off your hands.

Pedra also advises that gloves should always have a fit. “[A] little dab of Vaseline can be used on the inside of the nail bed to fill any exposed nail and protect it from being damaged by any spatters or small particles,” she said. “Pods are recommended in the winter to keep nails from falling down.”