Tag: Hangnails

A hangnail is not actually a piece of the nail itself, but a tear in the living skin of the cuticle or the surrounding nail fold. While often attributed to external dryness, an underlying nutritional deficiency can weaken the skin and make it more susceptible to tearing.

According to dermatologists, hangnails are not actually a part of the nail plate, but a small, jagged piece of skin from the cuticle that has torn away. This common skin complaint is often a symptom of dehydration or dry skin, but can also be linked to specific nutritional deficiencies that weaken nail and cuticle health.

Over 50% of people will experience a hangnail at some point, often attributed to dry skin or trauma. However, in some cases, the underlying cause may be nutritional, leading many to ask: what vitamin deficiency causes hangnails?

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.

While dry skin and trauma are common culprits, nutritional deficiencies can also contribute to hangnails. Specifically, issues with key vitamins and minerals can weaken the skin around your nails, leading to painful tears.

Millions of people experience peeling skin around their nails, and while often dismissed as simple dryness, it can signal an underlying health issue. Identifying what vitamin deficiency causes nail folds to peel is a critical first step toward effective treatment and stronger, healthier skin around your nails.