Optimal diagnosis and management of brittle nail syndrome
This condition affects up to 20% of the population, where women get affected twice as often as men. A study published by US authors provides a review of the most common nail disorders seen in clinical practice. This syndrome is described as increased fragility of the nail plate that leads to splitting, peeling and friability. The main risk factors include ageing, infections, trauma or chemical exposure. Authors devide the pathogenesis in idiopathic and secondary and characterize those by disorganisation of keratin filaments, protein and lipid structure. As such, vascularisation and oxygenation of the nail matrix is a key component for normal keratinisation. Treatment recommendations include biotin, glycerin and propylene glycol (for hydration). More by the link!