A:

There are a number of reasons why nails may peel. Those include:

• Vitamin deficiencies
• Having hands in water often
• Fungal infections
• Habits such as rubbing or picking nails
• Inherited conditions that show up later in life, such as a median nail dystrophy, where nails tend to split down the middle

If splitting is due to median nail dystrophy or another inherited condition, there is little that you can do. However, for good nail care in general, these tips can help:

• Eat a well-balanced diet with green and yellow vegetables as well as protein.
• Keep nails trimmed.
• Protect nails by wearing rubber gloves when washing dishes.
• Keep an unscented moisturizer by the sink for applying to hands and nails after washing and drying hands.
• Apply clear Vaseline to nails in the evening to help offset nail dryness.

If flaking or splitting continues, see your doctor. He or she can check for a fungal infection. Your doctor can also make certain no other medical condition is involved, since fingernails can sometimes be key to other medical problems.