My nails are suddenly splitting/flaking. No diet change, but I have started using nail oil. Anyone?

This is very relevant actually as three months ago I was extremely stressed. My boss was undergoing chemo and I was lumbered with his workload (a man 40 years more experienced than I!) I was also under immense pressure with a law degree assessment. I felt traumatised at the time.
I think it was about two months ago I started using the cuticle oil and soaking my hands, so if you're sure its a three month cycle then it's more likely to be the extreme stress.

I've never had a problem with my nails like this before when the weather has changed - and it's not really changed that much in the South, it's only a few degrees difference. I've worn less nail varnish than usual, but I did put some on last night so I'll take this stuff off later on!

I don't swim or wash up without rubber gloves on (and have a dishwasher at home too). I recently started moisturising my hands as often as possible after washing them (after going to the loo e.g.), but it was soon after I started soaking my hands with a cream on that the flaking started, so I'm nervous about continuing it!

Thanks everyone - I need to update my profile! I don't go to the gym anywhere near as much anymore, in fact I only cycle, and walk to work from the station (20 mins) then run and cycle home back of an evening.
I don't think my diet is the issue - it hasn't changed. I am pretty regimented with my diet as I have allergies, and we've got a good balanced diet with plenty of red and white meat, fish and veg and fruit. I don't drink too much alcohol and I drink plenty of water. I do have quite dry skin at the moment so I'm using an intensive hydra-moisturiser from the doctor - could that be linked? Thing is I don't know why the skin on my body got so dry - apart from perhaps not moisturising very often.
the only medication I'm on I've been on for 15 years so it's not that either. Like I said, the only thing I know I've done differently re my hands is to start putting on a cuticle oil. the flaking of my nails started soon after that.
Is there a link?

Thanks for this - can you shed any light on what might be causing the sudden splitting and flaking of my nails though? It's really troubling me!

Thanks for this - can you shed any light on what might be causing the sudden splitting and flaking of my nails though? It's really troubling me!

Brittle nails are often due to a deficiency of iron in the diet, which can also make the nails spoon-shaped or upturned.
But nails can also be affected by other problems such as the repetitive minor trauma from housework or even the use of a keyboard at work.
Ridging of the nails can be due to eczema, psoriasis or other dermatological disorders; fungal infections can also cause splits in the nail.
It is good that you drink plenty of water to prevent the dehydration that might otherwise be caused by regular exercise but a dry skin will respond to extra zinc, B group vitamins, vitamin C and essential fatty acids.
The best source of these vitamins is dietary;
Iron – the best sources are lean red meat and green leafy vegetables. Nuts and seeds are another good source, but if you wish to take a supplement, choose an amino acid-chalated iron which is three times more absorbable than other types.
B group vitamins – these are found in cereals, rice and pasta, liver, red meats, fish, beans, nuts and eggs. Vitamin C is plentiful in citrus fruits, blackcurrants, green peppers and tomatoes; again, a daily multivitamin containing vitamins B and C is a good insurance policy.
Zinc – rich sources include oysters and other shellfish, brazil nuts, almonds and ginger root, and if going for supplements choose an aminoacid chalate or zinc citrate or dicolinate.
Essential fatty acids – omega3 and omega6 fatty acids which can be found in flax, borage, evening primrose oil and vitamin A and E.
Your skin and nails are bound to improve if you continue to drink plenty of water, moisturize the skin regularly and if you add the occasional multivitamin supplement to a generally well-balanced and healthy diet.
Hope it will help hun

Brittle nails are often due to a deficiency of iron in the diet, which can also make the nails spoon-shaped or upturned.
But nails can also be affected by other problems such as the repetitive minor trauma from housework or even the use of a keyboard at work.
Ridging of the nails can be due to eczema, psoriasis or other dermatological disorders; fungal infections can also cause splits in the nail.
It is good that you drink plenty of water to prevent the dehydration that might otherwise be caused by regular exercise but a dry skin will respond to extra zinc, B group vitamins, vitamin C and essential fatty acids.
The best source of these vitamins is dietary;
Iron – the best sources are lean red meat and green leafy vegetables. Nuts and seeds are another good source, but if you wish to take a supplement, choose an amino acid-chalated iron which is three times more absorbable than other types.
B group vitamins – these are found in cereals, rice and pasta, liver, red meats, fish, beans, nuts and eggs. Vitamin C is plentiful in citrus fruits, blackcurrants, green peppers and tomatoes; again, a daily multivitamin containing vitamins B and C is a good insurance policy.
Zinc – rich sources include oysters and other shellfish, brazil nuts, almonds and ginger root, and if going for supplements choose an aminoacid chalate or zinc citrate or dicolinate.
Essential fatty acids – omega3 and omega6 fatty acids which can be found in flax, borage, evening primrose oil and vitamin A and E.
Your skin and nails are bound to improve if you continue to drink plenty of water, moisturize the skin regularly and if you add the occasional multivitamin supplement to a generally well-balanced and healthy diet.
Hope it will help hun

Sorry doubled my answer :)