Onchorrexhis

Also known as Brittle Nail Syndrome,  Onychorrhexis dehydrates the moisture of the nail, making it more prone to breakage, including chipping, splitting, and partial breakage.

APPEARANCE

Brittle, hence the name 'Brittle Nails Syndrome'. It is hard and dry, and depending on the severity, either the nail can be partially chipped with one layer, or almost the entire layer of nail.

CAUSES

As Onchorrexhis is 'dehydration of the nail', products such as nail polish removers and soap can be a factor.  Iron deficiency is critical for Onchorrexhis, as nails need iron to retain its structure.

But there are also other health factors including the following:

- Bullimia

- Anorexia

- Malnutrition

- Psoriasis

- Physical Injury/Trauma

One environmental factor can be cold exposure.

WILL IT AFFECT THE PROCEDURE?

With nails, the manicurist/pedicurist needs to have extra caution when treating them. Not only do nail polish removers dehydrate the plate, buffing could also damage them. However cuticle cream and oil can benefit with treating nails, as they moisturise the nail plate, although cuticle removal would have to be done with extra caution.

TREATMENTS/POSSIBLE ALTERNATIVES

Soaps should be avoided or limited for people with brittle nails. Moisturisers or nail oils are essential in restoring and hardening the nail plate. Vitamin intake is also essential, especially for malnutrition and Iron deficiency. Zinc and Vitamin B-12 are also essential for nail strengthening. In general, regular water intake also improves nail moisture as well.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

http://www.medicineonline.com/articles/o/2/Onychorrhexis/Brittle-Nails.html

http://healthool.com/onychorrhexis/

http://www.nailsmag.com/encyclopedia/64079/onychorrhexis

http://www.primehealthchannel.com/onychorrhexis-pictures-causes-symptoms-and-treatment.html

https://www.google.com.au/search?q=nail+oil&oq=nail+oil&aqs=chrome..69i57j69i60j69i65l2j69i60l2.1492j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

http://www.totalbeauty.com/content/article/best-vitamins-for-nails