Brittle or Thickened Nails
Nails can become brittle, split, thickened, or ridged for many reasons. While fungal infection is a common cause, many cases are due to psoriasis, eczema, trauma, ageing, or underlying health conditions. At DermLab, our Dermatologists provide expert diagnosis to confirm the cause and ensure you get the right treatment — not just another antifungal that might not help.
Symptoms
Thickened or crumbly nails
Nails splitting, peeling, or breaking easily
White, yellow, or brown discolouration
Ridged or pitted nails
Pain or pressure in shoes due to thickened toenails
Common Causes
Fungal nail infection (onychomycosis) — thick, crumbly, yellow nails
Psoriasis of the nails — pitting, ridging, or thickening
Eczema or dermatitis — chronic inflammation affecting the nail unit
Trauma or pressure — repeated injury from footwear, sport, or manual work
Ageing — nails naturally become more brittle or thickened over time
Other health conditions — thyroid disease, circulation problems, or nutritional deficiencies
Treatment at DermLab
Accurate diagnosis — lab testing if needed to confirm or rule out fungal infection
Prescription antifungals — for confirmed fungal infection
Treatment of underlying conditions — psoriasis, eczema, or thyroid disease
Nail debridement — trimming and thinning thickened nails for comfort
Skincare and nailcare guidance — strategies to reduce brittleness and improve nail health
Preventive advice — footwear, hygiene, and avoiding trauma to nails
Frequently Asked Questions
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No. Many nail problems are caused by psoriasis, trauma, or ageing — not just fungal infection.
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Yes. Treatment can improve appearance and comfort, but success depends on the cause and how advanced the damage is.
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Yes. Dermatologists are specialists in nails and can distinguish between fungal and non-fungal causes quickly and accurately.
