Brittle nails? The so-called brittle nail syndrome affects 2 out of every 10 Brazilians
Weak and brittle nails can be caused by various factors, whether it's direct contact with chemical products such as chlorine or acetone, which dry out the nails, or the habit of biting nails, which causes microtraumas. Dr. Tatiana Gabbi, a dermatologist with the Brazilian Society of Dermatology and head of the Nail Diseases Outpatient Clinic at HCFMUSP, explains that weak, dry or brittle nails can also be signs of health problems, such as vitamin and mineral deficiencies, thyroid disorders or brittle nail syndrome - characterized by the nails' difficulty in retaining water, which makes them dry and prone to flaking.
According to the Brazilian Society of Dermatology (SBD), brittle nail syndrome, which can affect up to 20% of the population and is more common in women, can be associated with two main disorders: onychoschizia and onychorrhexis. Onychoschizia is horizontal peeling of the nails, while onychorrhexis is characterized by longitudinal striations, which can cause breakage at the tips of the nails.
"It's very common for patients with these complaints to resort to products containing formaldehyde (formaldehyde), which can help strengthen softened nails, i.e. those with excess water. However, people who show signs of onychomycosis and onychorrhexis should avoid products with this active ingredient, as it 'removes' the water from the nails, aggravating flaking. The ideal is to use products that directly strengthen the nail structure. Strengtheners formulated with ingredients such as pullulan, a water-soluble polysaccharide biopolymer that retains water and forms a protective film against external aggressors, and the NailVit complex, a combination of plant amino acids that protects, moisturizes and strengthens nails, are effective options," adds the dermatologist.
For an accurate diagnosis, Dr. Tatiana Gabbi explains that it is necessary to carry out a detailed assessment of the patient's clinical history, physical examination and, if necessary, laboratory tests to rule out other causes. "It's always important to remember that not all fragile or brittle nails are related to the syndrome. Therefore, when the cause is not identified, the focus should be on improving the local conditions of the nails, keeping them short, applying moisturizers to the length and cuticles, and correcting nutritional deficiencies, as well as wearing protective gloves. A balanced diet, rich in nutrients, also helps to strengthen the nails and, in some cases, dietary adjustments and supplementation may be necessary," she concludes.
About Biolab
Promoting a future with a better quality of life requires a tireless search for safe and innovative treatments. With this mission in mind, Biolab, a Brazilian pharmaceutical company founded in 1997 and with an international presence, invests in research and partnerships to overcome the growing challenges of health.
With more than 3,800 employees and the 4th largest sales force in Brazil, Biolab is among the largest pharmaceutical companies in the country, operating in various specialties, such as dermatology, gynecology, orthopedics, gastroenterology, pediatrics, clinical medicine and central nervous system, as well as being a leader in cardiology. The business units Biolab Generic, Avert Humana e Avert Biolab Animal Health contribute with a portfolio of more than 500 products.
Biolab is constantly growing. It has three production units, as well as a modern manufacturing complex under construction. And it doesn't stop there: in Canada it is the first Brazilian pharmaceutical company with a Research Center and it acquired the company Exzell Pharma to expand its borders.
Long live evolution!
Find out more at www.biolabfarma.com.br and on social media: Instagram, Facebook and Linkedin.