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Toenails get dehydrated from external factors like harsh chemicals (acetone, strong soaps, hand sanitizers) and frequent wetting/drying, plus environmental issues like low humidity, which strip natural moisture, leading to brittleness, white spots (keratin granulation), and cracking, with internal causes like nutritional deficiencies or conditions like hypothyroidism also playing a role, especially if both fingernails and toenails are affected. [1, 2, 3, 4]  

External Causes (Most Common): 

• Harsh Chemicals: Acetone-based nail polish remover and strong soaps strip the nail's protective oils. 

• Frequent Exposure: Repeatedly wetting and drying feet, like from swimming or certain jobs, removes moisture. 

• Nail Polish & Gel: Long-term use of nail polish, especially gel/shellac, can dry nails out. 

• Low Humidity: Dry climates naturally pull moisture from your nails. 

• Hand Sanitizers: Alcohol evaporates quickly, causing water loss from nails and skin. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7]  

Internal & Systemic Factors: 

• Nutritional Deficiencies: Lack of zinc, iron, or other nutrients can impact nail health. 

• Medical Conditions: Hypothyroidism, psoriasis, anemia, or kidney/heart disease can manifest as dry nails. 

• Medications: Certain drugs, including some cancer treatments, can cause dryness. [2, 4, 8, 9, 10]  

What to Do: 

• Moisturize: Apply cuticle oil or petroleum jelly to nails and cuticles regularly, especially at night. 

• Gentle Products: Use non-acetone removers and non-toxic polishes. 

• Protect: Wear gloves for cleaning and use gloves when applying hand sanitizer. 

• Hydrate Internally: Drink plenty of water. 

• See a Professional: If dryness persists, a podiatrist can rule out underlying issues like fungus or systemic illness. [1, 2, 3, 5, 11, 12]  

To help address this, would you like tips on moisturizing techniques or product recommendations to combat toenail dehydration? 

AI responses may include mistakes.

[1] https://www.zoedraelos.com/articles/nails/

[2] https://blog.walgreens.com/health/general-health/dry-toenails-causes-symptoms-and-treatment.html

[3] https://www.bergdpm.com/video/5-most-common-causes-of-white-spots-on-toenails.cfm

[4] https://entirepodiatry.com.au/problems-solutions/skin-and-nail-conditions/brittle-toenails/

[5] https://www.goerie.com/story/news/local/2014/09/10/nails-brittle-when-dry/24750870007/

[6] https://footrightpodiatry.com.au/blog/do-your-nails-look-like-this

[7] https://callenolive.com/blogs/blog/how-to-treat-dry-dull-and-brittle-toenails

[8] https://www.potomacpodiatrygroup.com/nails-and-skin/white-toenails/

[9] https://www.bioped.com/blog/dry-brittle-discoloured-toenails/

[10] https://www.myfootdr.com.au/2021/04/causes-of-white-spots-on-your-toenails/

[11] https://www.suratdiabeticfootcare.in/blog/hydration-brittle-nails-treatment

[12] https://www.arlingtondermatology.net/2020/11/20/how-dehydration-impacts-your-hair-skin-and-nails/

Henry McClure  
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