Question:
problems with finger nails braking and cracked lips and fingertips

this 17th of December I will be out a year and I been very lucky not to had very many problems the only one was losing some my hair but that's growing back. now it's my fingernails braking very short and my fingertips and also the side of lips are cracking which all are very painful. any information would be appreciated. I will be seeing Dr.A on the 20th of this month.    — Mary D. (posted on December 11, 2010)

December 11, 2010
take 5000mg of Biotin - once daily with 50 mg of Zinc which will help your body absorb the Biotin. DO NOT take a high amount of Zinc as it could burn the inner lining or your stomach.
   — Michael Eak

December 11, 2010
It sounds as though you are suffering from a lack of vitamins. As I'm sure you know, the hair loss is from a lack of protein, you need at least 60 Grams per day. This will also help your skin and nails. If you can manage a good B-Complex vitamin, Zinc, C, and E, your symptoms will disappear. Best of luck with it! Bonnie
   — Bonnie H.

December 11, 2010
I think the advice you've been given so far is great. The only thing I can add is that your hair loss may have simply been caused by the surgery. Look up telogen effluvium. I worked with a guy who suffered temporary hair loss after surgery required after a car wreck. In his case protein and vitamin deficiencies were not a cause. The shock of surgery caused his hair growth cycle to reboot. The new hair simply pushed out the old hair so he looked prematurely bald at 23.
   — Mike A.

December 12, 2010
All the advise is great and right on track in my opinion.... the only other hting I would say is make sure you are drinking ALL of your water! This is also key.. Good luck!
   — callen3640

December 12, 2010
The tips that you have received so far are awesome! I would like to add that it may be beneficial to use Olive Oil on your scalp. For the dry skin, I would suggest a Vitamin E creme. I live in Michigan and due to the weather change, I have noticed that I have to lotion at least three times each day. I also keep a humidifier running in my bedroom at all times.
   — tmham

December 12, 2010
Another possibility....my dietician has me taking Coromega daily - it's Omega-03 oil, but it comes in flavors and is not at all unpleasant. My personal favorite is the Chocolate Orange. It adds much-needed oils and amino acids to the body....but be aware, it also can cause easy bruising, as can vitamin E. I had to go off all vitamins with either fish oil or vitamin E in them before I had my back surgery, because they are implicated in freer bleeding. But, they are fantastic for your hair and skin, and for your general health. Another way to get "good" oils is to eat (in moderation of course), avocodos, and use olive-oil cooking spray. And also to have an ounce of nuts or peanut butter for snacks...they all have "good fats" that might help with your dry skin. I know they do with mine.
   — Erica Alikchihoo

December 12, 2010
Lots of great advice here. I have always had terrible nails that are soft, split & break easily. I started taking the Biotin to ward off hair loss and discovered that my nails have really improved. Now they get so long I have to cut them. In the past they broke off before getting to a decent length.
   — Gail T.

December 15, 2010
Vitamin D is the most important supplememt to take daily along with Vitamin E, K and A
   — Dani96