My nails are screaming for help

[Luna_Wolf]

The top paper thin layer of my nail has been peeling and chipping at the tip leaving the spot were it peeled off flimsy. It ***** because when I do something simple like scratch or anything, the nail bends back and boy does that smarts...I put a clear coat of that protective nail polish on it hoping it can keep the tips of my nails somewhat hard like they should be till it grows out again. This spliting happends maybe every once in a while but now it's often and goes up a little past the middle of my nail instead of the usual mm. Again this is typical every now and then but now this not just on one nail, it's all of them on both hands. It hurts and I don't really grow my nails out but I would like a bit more than the little stubs I had to cut em back to, just kinda hard when they keep chipping. Any suggestions?

[dofunny]

There is a vitamin your body is needing that it's not getting....

[Momof3Gramof2]

I used to have this problem, too. I tried using Hard as Nails, a clear polish. It might be a vitamin deficiency; you could try a health food store and ask them what is good for strengthening your nails. I can't remember what else I used/too, but some particular vitamin. Some foods will help, too, but the health food folks should be able to help you

[Caryopteris]

Nail quality is related to your health.  Have you had labs?  Because I have found dermatologists just treat symptoms, and are not interested in guiding people as to the cause of their skin and nail issues, I would start with your primary care provider.  You need to be checked for vitamin deficiencies and causes for malabsorption, anemia, thyroid disease, etc.