Fragile finger nails

[greynot]

Does anyone have recommendations for anything to help improve fragile fingernails? That isn't contraindicated when taking methotrexate.

[helixhelix]

Nail varnish!

[greynot in reply to helixhelix]

Unfortunately it makes my nails worse, tho it's a nice looking short term fix!

[helixhelix in reply to greynot]

I have semi-permanent varnish every 6 -8 weeks.. My nails are probably like toilet paper underneath now, but with it on I could scrabble my way to Australia without so much as a chip!

Apart from that my beauty regime is non-existent, but nice nails despite doing a lot of gardening is my weakness!

[KittyJ]

you can get mail hardener that you paint on like nail varnish.

[Neonkittie17]

I use a botanical cuticle/nail brush pen by Laguna Moon. All natural ingredients and stops my nails splitting, although mine aren’t soft as such but can be dry/brittle.

[BoneyC]

I buy Sally Hansen Complete Care 7 in 1 nail treatment.

On the box it claims to be a base coat, top coat, helps growth, strengthens, ridge filler, brightener and moisturiser.

[AgedCrone]

Gelatine is supposed to help fragile nails.Google the People’s Pharmacy /brittle nails…there are lots answers.

I remember scoffing cubes of jelly as a teenager to encourage strong nails!

I reall don’t know if it worked…..but both my finger & toe nails are still growing very healthily in my dotage.In fact I can see how quickly they grow from the gap from my cuticle when I apply nail polish!

[Gnarli]

I use a gel manicure. It probably won't do my nails any good in the long run but it helps them grow strong, long and beautiful. These babies don't break, flake, peel or chip.

[RAGuy]

I have had this problem on several DMARDS, and the only thing that has helped is using a hand cream or light oil on my nails every morning and night.

I haven't tried painting my nails, but I am just not that kind of guy, and my colour sense is so bad they would clash with my wardrobe anyway!

[Sheila_G]

I have taken mxt for 21 years now and my nails are very strong and long. I think it is mostly inherited as my mum had lovely, strong nails too. Maybe you need more calcium!

[Knitmare]

I use cuticle and nail gel from Avon and it works well. I also use Avon Glycerine Hand Cream last thing every night, have done since I was in my teens and, at 64, my nails are strong and grow very fast.

[greynot in reply to Knitmare]

I love it that you've used something since you were in your teens and it's still working for you.Thanks for the recommendation

[mairtea]

Are your thyroid levels ok? I found my nails were breaking and splitting a lot before I was diagnosed with low thyroid. Things improved a lot once I started on levothyroxine - as did my tiredness, brain fog, feeling cold.

[greynot in reply to mairtea]

Thanks...it's worth me asking the question. So I shall.