Isla Bennett
Cuticles are a thin layer of clear, dead skin that grows along the bottom edge of your finger or toe, known as the nail bed. They are important to nail health as they protect new nails from bacteria, dirt, and fungus as they grow out from the nail root. As such, dermatologists advise against cutting cuticles, as this can increase the risk of infection and cause cuticles to harden and become more likely to fracture. Instead, it is recommended to gently push back overgrown cuticles with a cuticle stick and to keep them well-hydrated with cuticle oil or moisturizer.
How to grow back cuticle over nail
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is a cuticle | A thin layer of dead skin that grows around the edge of your toenails and fingernails |
| Purpose of cuticles | Acts as a protective layer around the nail bed and prevents bacteria from entering as nails grow out from the nail root |
| Cuticle overgrowth causes | Lack of cuticle maintenance, medical issues like psoriasis, eczema, and allergic contact dermatitis |
| How to treat overgrown cuticles | Keep them moisturized, gently push them back with a cuticle pusher, use cuticle oil, use acetone-free nail polish remover, wear gloves while washing dishes |
| How to avoid cuticle overgrowth | Practice good cuticle care, do not cut your cuticles, use a cuticle stick to gently push back cuticle overgrowth |
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What You'll Learn
Avoid cutting cuticles
Cuticles are a thin layer of dead skin that grows around the edge of your toenails and fingernails. They provide a barrier to protect your nails from infection. Without cuticles, bacteria, dirt, and fungus could get beneath your nails and cause an infection. Therefore, you shouldn't cut your cuticles, although you might be tempted to if your cuticles overgrow.
Cutting cuticles can lead to inflammation, redness, swelling, and pain. It could even cause an infection of the skin around the nail called paronychia. Cutting the cuticle can also make them harder and more likely to fracture or split off.
Instead of cutting your cuticles, you can gently push them back with a wooden orange stick. Before starting, soak your nails in warm, soapy water to soften your cuticles. You can also use a cuticle remover solution or gel to soften them before trimming.
To maintain healthy cuticles and nails, it is important to keep them moisturized. You can use cuticle oil or a rich hand cream to moisturize your nails and cuticles. Massage the product gently to promote blood circulation and healthy nail growth.
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Soak nails in warm water
Soaking your nails in warm water is a common method to soften nails and cuticles. However, it is important to note that this method can cause the nail plate to swell and change shape, which can lead to chipping, peeling, or cracking of any nail coatings applied. Therefore, it is recommended to limit the duration of soaking to a few minutes or as little as 60 seconds.
To prepare a warm water soak, simply fill a bowl with warm water. Avoid using hot or cold water as it can shock the skin. You can also add a few drops of soap or a teaspoon of your favourite hand and body lotion to the water. Lemon juice, honey, olive oil, and vinegar are also popular additions to a warm water soak, offering benefits such as hydration and disinfection. For example, you can mix lemon juice with a cup of warm water and add a teaspoon of honey to boost hydration. Alternatively, you can use vinegar, which has mild acidity and can relieve dry skin while softening cuticles.
After soaking your nails, gently clean them and the surrounding skin with a nail brush. You can also use a cuticle pusher to gently push back your cuticles, making tiny circles against the cuticle. It is important to note that cutting your cuticles is not recommended as it can increase the risk of infection and cause dryness. Instead, focus on keeping your cuticles and the surrounding skin moisturised with ointments, creams, or cuticle oil.
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Moisturise cuticles regularly
Cuticles are a layer of clear, thin skin that grows around the edge of your toenails and fingernails. They are living parts of the skin that protect your nails from bacterial and fungal infections. When the cuticle becomes dry and cracked, it can't attach to the nail, and this can lead to nail infections and nail loss.
Moisturising your cuticles regularly is an important part of maintaining nail health. Cuticles can get dry, crack, peel, and flake, just like the skin on your hands, so it's important to keep them moisturised. You can use any skin moisturiser for your cuticles. Simply apply some moisturiser to your hands and then rub the leftover product into your cuticles. Dermatologists recommend thick moisturising products, such as ointments or creams, for the best results. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends petroleum jelly (Vaseline) as an inexpensive way to care for the cuticles. However, some doctors say that using a thick product like petroleum jelly throughout the day isn't always practical, so you might want to opt for a lighter lotion.
If you want to focus specifically on your cuticles, you can use a cuticle cream or oil. Cuticle cream is an emollient that nourishes and moisturises dry cuticles. Look for ingredients like vitamins A, C, and E, and natural oils such as almond, sunflower, grapeseed, and aloe vera oil. You can find cuticle creams at your local drugstore or beauty supply store. Cuticle oil is quick-absorbing and helps to prevent future dryness and cracking. You can also use coconut oil as an inexpensive at-home treatment.
You can also try exfoliating your cuticles to prevent overgrowth. Mix oil and sugar into a small bowl of water to create a scrub. Massage the scrub into your cuticles in a circular motion for about 30 seconds per finger. Then, rinse, dry, and apply your cuticle moisturiser.
Wearing gloves when washing dishes or clothes can also help to protect your cuticles from the drying effects of water. You can also apply a moisturiser or lubricant before putting on the gloves to keep the oil on your cuticles and protect them.
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Use a cuticle pusher to push back overgrown cuticles
Pushing back overgrown cuticles with a cuticle pusher is a great way to maintain the appearance of your nails without damaging the living tissue. Cuticles are a thin layer of dead skin that grows around the edge of your toenails and fingernails, and they provide a protective barrier against bacteria, dirt, and fungus.
To use a cuticle pusher, start by removing any nail polish with an acetone-free nail polish remover and a cotton ball. Soak your nails in warm water for 5 to 10 minutes to soften the cuticles, making them easier to push back. You can also add a few drops of gentle soap, cuticle oil, or a specialised cuticle softener to the water.
Next, choose your cuticle pusher. Opt for a wooden or rubber-tipped cuticle pusher to avoid damaging your nails. Place your hand on a flat, sturdy surface to steady yourself and gently push back the overgrown skin around the nail. Be careful not to push too vigorously, as this can lead to redness, soreness, and even infection.
After pushing back your cuticles, wipe away any residue with a cotton pad and wash your hands to remove any remaining product. Finish by applying a cuticle oil or a rich hand cream to keep your nails and surrounding skin hydrated and nourished.
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Avoid picking at your cuticles
Picking at your cuticles can lead to inflammation, redness, swelling, pain, and even infection. It is important to avoid this behaviour to prevent tissue damage, scarring, discolouration, and possible staph infections.
If you are struggling to stop picking at your cuticles, it may be helpful to identify your triggers. For example, you may be more inclined to pick at your cuticles when you are stressed, bored, frustrated, impatient, dissatisfied, or conflicted. Once you have identified your triggers, you can try to avoid them.
You can also try to replace the behaviour of picking your cuticles with positive self-care behaviours, such as applying moisturizer to your hands and cuticles. Keep your nails short and clean, and avoid keeping tools that you may use to pick your skin, such as tweezers or pins, within easy reach.
If you are struggling to stop picking your cuticles, you may want to consider seeking professional help. Skin picking disorder, also known as dermatillomania, is a psychological condition that falls under the category of body-focused repetitive behaviours (BFRBs). It is related to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and can be effectively treated with a combination of medicine and therapy, particularly cognitive behavioural therapy.
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Frequently asked questions
Overgrown cuticles can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor cuticle maintenance, frequent hand washing, and medical conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, and allergic contact dermatitis.
It is recommended to gently push back overgrown cuticles with a wooden orange stick or a cuticle pusher. Soaking your nails in warm, soapy water before pushing them back can help soften the cuticles.
No, cutting or trimming your cuticles is not recommended as it can increase the risk of infection and make the cuticles harder and more likely to fracture. Instead, you should focus on keeping them well-hydrated and moisturized.
To maintain healthy cuticles, it is important to keep them well-hydrated and moisturized. You can use cuticle oil, ointments, creams, or petroleum jelly to moisturize the area. Wearing gloves while washing dishes or using hand sanitizer can also help protect your cuticles from drying out.
It is generally discouraged to push back your cuticles before a manicure as it can increase the risk of infection if not done properly. If you choose to do so, make sure to gently push them back with an orange stick and avoid cutting or trimming them.
