If you were rating health problems on a scale of 1 to 10 fingernail problems would rank near the bottom. Compared to cancer or Alzheimer's disease, brittle nails are a trivial complaint. But if you ask people about the little things that are a constant source of irritation, split, cracked nails rate high.
Rough cuticles are a huge temptation for nibbling or tearing.
That sets up the conditions for infection, and infected hangnail is painful and hard to ignore. Women seem especially bothered by nail problems. They spend a lot of money on polishes and products designed to harden, strengthen, lengthen or otherwise beautify nails. Ironically, much of their effort may actually make nails more susceptible to damage. Polish remover contains strong solvents that dry nails out and make them more brittle.