Does Iron Deficiency Cause Hangnails? Unpacking the Link

December 6, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the World Health Organization, iron deficiency is the most common nutritional disorder in the world. While many people know it can cause fatigue, a lesser-known question is: does iron deficiency cause hangnails? The direct link is complex, but low iron levels can weaken and dry out nails and surrounding skin, indirectly increasing the risk of hangnail development.

Quick Summary

This article examines the relationship between low iron levels and hangnail frequency. It explores how iron deficiency contributes to weakened nail structure and dry skin, creating conditions conducive to hangnail formation, and contrasts this with other common causes.

Key Points

Iron deficiency increases hangnail risk indirectly: Low iron can cause dry, brittle nails and skin, which are the primary precursors to hangnails.
Low iron impacts oxygen delivery to nails: Insufficient iron means less oxygen reaches the nail matrix, leading to weakened, slower-growing nails.
Hangnails are torn skin, not nail: A hangnail is a piece of skin next to the nail, and dryness is the most common direct cause.
Koilonychia is a key indicator of severe iron deficiency: The specific sign of 'spoon nails' is most directly linked to chronic iron deficiency.
Proper hydration and care are essential: Even with adequate iron, regular moisturizing and avoiding trauma to the cuticles are vital for preventing hangnails.
Other nutrient deficiencies can also affect nails: Biotin, zinc, and protein are also important for nail health and brittleness.

Understanding the Direct vs. Indirect Connection

The question of whether iron deficiency directly causes hangnails has a nuanced answer. Medical consensus suggests that while low iron is not the sole or direct cause of a hangnail—which is a torn piece of skin, not nail—it does create the perfect conditions for them to form. A hangnail is most commonly the result of dry skin and damaged cuticles. Iron deficiency leads to brittle nails, a condition known as onychoschizia, and weakens the skin's integrity, making the area more susceptible to cracking and tearing.

How Iron Deficiency Compromises Nail Health

Iron is crucial for overall health, playing a vital role in carrying oxygen via hemoglobin to all parts of the body, including the nail matrix, where nail growth originates. When iron levels drop, the body prioritizes oxygen delivery to vital organs, leaving the nail matrix with insufficient oxygen. This impairs nail formation, leading to slower growth and a weaker, more brittle structure. The decreased oxygen and weakened keratin production mean the nail plate and surrounding cuticle skin are less resilient and more prone to damage.

Common Nail Issues Linked to Iron Deficiency

Koilonychia (Spoon Nails): This is the most specific and well-documented nail sign of severe, long-term iron deficiency. The nails become thin, brittle, and concave, with raised edges that give them a distinct spoon shape.
Brittle Nails: Even in less severe cases, low iron can cause the nails to become dry, weak, and susceptible to chipping and breaking.
White, Flaky Nails: Reduced oxygen can lead to nail dystrophy, causing the nails to become white, thin, and prone to shedding.
Vertical Ridges: Sometimes, a central ridge or groove can appear in the nail plate as a result of iron or other deficiencies.

The Relationship Between Brittle Nails and Hangnails

Brittle nails are more likely to peel and splinter. This can cause micro-traumas to the surrounding skin and cuticles, initiating the tear that becomes a hangnail. Furthermore, iron deficiency can also contribute to overall dry skin. Dry, flaky skin around the nail beds is less flexible and more prone to cracking, directly leading to hangnail formation. This creates a domino effect: low iron leads to brittleness and dryness, which in turn leads to increased hangnail occurrences.

Comparison of Hangnail Causes

To understand the role of iron deficiency, it's helpful to compare it with other potential causes of hangnails.


Cause	Description	Link to Iron Deficiency	Prevention Strategy
Dry Skin	The most common cause; results from cold weather, frequent hand washing, or harsh chemicals.	Iron deficiency can exacerbate skin dryness.	Moisturize regularly with hand cream or cuticle oil, especially in dry conditions.
Nail Biting / Picking	Mechanical damage from biting nails or picking at the skin around the nails tears the cuticle.	Not directly related, but those with brittle nails might be more inclined to pick.	Break the habit through conscious effort or professional help.
Harsh Chemicals	Exposure to detergents, cleaning products, or nail polish removers strips natural oils, causing dryness.	Can be a contributing factor alongside iron-related brittleness.	Wear gloves when cleaning or using strong chemicals.
Improper Manicures	Cutting cuticles or aggressive filing can damage the skin and weaken the nail bed.	Independent of nutritional status.	Never cut cuticles; gently push them back after soaking.
Protein Deficiency	In rare cases, a severe lack of protein can cause skin and nail issues.	Separate but also a nutritional cause of nail problems.	Ensure a balanced diet rich in protein sources.

The Role of Other Nutrients in Nail Health

Beyond iron, other vitamins and minerals are vital for strong, healthy nails and can impact hangnail susceptibility.

Biotin (Vitamin B7): Improves nail thickness and hardness.
Zinc: Involved in nail growth and healing. Deficiency can cause white spots.
Vitamin C: Aids in collagen production, essential for healthy skin and nails.
Protein: Nails are made of keratin, a protein. Inadequate protein can cause ridges and slow growth.

Conclusion: A Chain Reaction, Not a Direct Cause

While iron deficiency does not directly generate hangnails, it significantly increases their likelihood by causing underlying nail and skin weaknesses. A person with low iron is more prone to brittle nails and dry skin, both of which are major contributing factors to hangnail formation. Treating the iron deficiency through dietary changes or supplements will address the root cause of the brittle, weakened nail structure, but local treatments for dryness and physical damage are still necessary to prevent hangnails. For persistent or severe nail issues, a healthcare provider should be consulted to properly diagnose and treat the underlying cause. A holistic approach that includes addressing nutritional deficiencies and practicing good nail care is the most effective strategy for preventing hangnails and promoting overall nail health.

Visit the American Society for Surgery of the Hand to learn more about proper nail care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, low iron levels, especially in chronic cases, can lead to brittle nails and peeling. This happens because insufficient iron impairs oxygen delivery and keratin production in the nail matrix, causing the nails to become weaker and more fragile.

Brittle nails refer to the nail plate itself being weak, dry, and prone to breaking or peeling. A hangnail is a torn piece of skin, typically in the cuticle area, not part of the nail plate. However, brittle nails can lead to hangnails by causing micro-trauma to the surrounding skin.

Other common causes of hangnails include dry skin from frequent hand washing or cold weather, nail-biting or picking, exposure to harsh chemicals like detergents, and improper manicure techniques.

While nail changes are a possible sign, they are not a definitive diagnostic tool for iron deficiency. Other symptoms of iron deficiency include fatigue, pale skin, and hair loss. For proper diagnosis, a blood test from a healthcare provider is necessary.

Since nails grow slowly, it can take several months (often 3-6 months) for significant changes to become visible. Consistency in treatment and addressing any other contributing factors is key for seeing improvement.

Eating a balanced diet rich in iron, biotin, zinc, and protein can help promote strong nail and skin health. Iron-rich foods include red meat, leafy greens, and fortified cereals. Staying well-hydrated is also crucial.

Yes, but with caution. Never pull or tear a hangnail. Instead, soak your hands in warm water to soften the skin, then use sanitized, sharp nail clippers to carefully trim the hangnail off at its base. Apply an antibacterial ointment afterward to prevent infection.