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" Reader Question: I have brittle, soft fingernails that have ridges, peel constantly and chip when bumped even slightly. I eat healthy and take a multivitamin, but I do use my hands a lot (I garden and play the piano). Is there anything I can do? It&amp;#039;s great that you&amp;#039;re taking a multivitamin, but make sure that it contains enough calcium (you need 1,000\u20131,200 mg a day, including what you get from food) and vitamin D (you need 400\u20131,000 IU a day). Be sure to avoid picking at or peeling your nails\u2014it will only make the problem worse. Use paraben-free cuticle oil nightly to condition your nails and cuticles. I would also recommend that you try using a nail strengthener, such as Rejuvacote by Duri, to see if it helps; it can be used alone or as a base coat for polish. Once your polish starts peeling, take it off with nail polish remover\u2014peeling polish can weaken your nails because it takes off a layer of nail with it. If these measures don&amp;#039;t work, talk to your doctor, since you could have a nutritional deficiency or other medical problem. I want to hear from you, so e-mail me your questions at dailywd@womansday.com.  Disclaimer: Your seeking information on health related topics and/or Sandra Adamson Fryhofer, MD&amp;#039;s providing such information herein constitutes neither the solicitation of nor the provision of medical advice, services, care or treatment. Communication with Dr. Fryhofer on this website does not create a doctor/patient relationship. For concerns about your own particular medical condition, you should consult your own medical professional, who can examine and evaluate you. Communication on a website is not a substitute for taking an active role in your own medical care and treatment and being personally seen by a physician of choice in your area.  "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.womansday.com/life/a41486/brittle-nails-5540/>