The reason for the softening of nails after soaking in water is related to the absorption of water by the nails or iron deficiency anemia.
Nails belong to a derivative of the skin, which mainly includes the nail plate, nail bed, nail folds and roots, etc., of which the clinical said nails mainly refers to the nail plate located in the upper part of the back of the finger. Compared to other normal skin, the nail plate is more dense, so it absorbs water more slowly, which may lead to softening of the nail when soaked for a long enough period of time and absorbing enough water.
For people with malnutrition and iron deficiency anemia, the hardness of their nails will be reduced accordingly, showing that the nails become soft and easy to break, and patients with iron deficiency anemia will also have the characteristic manifestation of “spoon-shaped nails”.
If the nails become soft after a short period of immersion, it is important to consult a professional doctor and undergo a systematic evaluation with relevant examinations.