Management of simple brittle nails

Brittle nails are characterized by roughness of the surface of the nail plate, fragility, and peeling. This is a condition that is seen commonly in elderly individuals, and it is associated mostly with an abnormality of keratin, keratin associated proteins, water, and/or lipid content. It is idiopathic in the majority of the cases, but there are some dermatological and systemic diseases that can be associated with brittle nails. Treatment is a challenge for the clinician, in some case, can be difficult, and certainly needs strong cooperation of the patient.