Caleb Foster
Dry skin around the nails is a common issue that can lead to painful infections and unsightly hangnails. To maintain nail health, it is important to understand the anatomy of the nails and care for the cuticles, the layer of clear skin at the bottom of the nail. This involves regular moisturization with humectant-based and lipid-rich lotions, emollient-rich creams, and natural oils. Cuticle pushers and nail scrubs can help remove dead skin, but cutting the cuticle is not recommended as it may expose the nail to infection. Instead, cuticle scissors can be used to trim hangnails and excess skin.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Risk of neglecting the skin around nails | Infected cuticles, hangnails, change in nail shape, colour, texture or detachment |
| Prevention | Moisturise hands, fingers, cuticles and skin around nails, use cuticle oil, wear gloves while washing dishes, avoid biting nails |
| Treatment | Soak hands in warm soapy water, apply cuticle oil, use humectant-based and lipid-rich lotions, emollient-rich creams, cut off hangnails with sanitised clippers or cuticle scissors |
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What You'll Learn
Moisturise hands and cuticles
Moisturising your hands and cuticles is crucial to preventing and treating dry skin around your nails. Cuticles are the layer of clear skin at the bottom of your fingernails. They are waterproof and protect the new nail and the surrounding skin from bacteria as the nail grows.
To moisturise your hands and cuticles effectively, begin by soaking your hands in warm water for about 5 to 10 minutes. This helps to soften the skin, making it easier to remove dead skin and groom your cuticles. After soaking, gently pat your hands dry with a towel, ensuring that your cuticles remain moist.
Next, use a wooden cuticle pusher or an orange stick to gently push back your cuticles. This prevents them from growing onto your nail bed. After pushing back your cuticles, you can carefully trim away any excess skin and hangnails with cuticle scissors. Be careful not to cut off the entire cuticle, as this can expose your nail bed to infection.
Finally, apply a generous amount of moisturiser to your hands, fingers, cuticles, and the skin around your nails. You can use a cuticle cream, oil, or even coconut oil. For an intensive treatment, seal in the moisture by wearing cotton gloves overnight. Repeat this process regularly to keep your hands and cuticles moisturised and prevent dry skin around your nails.
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Use cuticle oil
Cuticle oil is a specialised product designed to nourish and moisturise the cuticles, which are the thin strips of skin at the base of your nails. It is typically made with a blend of natural oils, such as jojoba, almond, avocado, olive, apricot, or coconut oil, and may be enriched with vitamins and antioxidants.
Cuticle oil helps to soften and hydrate the cuticles, preventing them from becoming dry, cracked, or damaged. By regularly applying cuticle oil, you can promote healthy nail growth, improve the overall appearance of your nails, and protect them from breakage. It can also help to protect your nail polish, making your manicure last longer.
To apply cuticle oil, start by cleaning your cuticles. Carefully wash your hands, focusing on your nail beds and fingertips. You can also soften your cuticles by soaking them in warm, soapy water several times a week.
Once your hands are clean and dry, apply a few drops of cuticle oil to each cuticle. Gently massage the oil into the cuticles and surrounding skin for a few minutes. Most cuticle oils absorb quickly into the skin, so only a small amount is needed. You can use a cotton ball or brush to apply the oil, depending on the product.
If you are applying nail polish, make sure your cuticles are dry before painting your nails. After your nails are dry and polished, apply cuticle oil again to protect and nourish your cuticles and promote healthy nail growth. Leave the cuticle oil on for at least 5 to 10 minutes to allow it to fully absorb. You can also leave it on overnight by wearing gloves or finger cots.
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Push back cuticles
Pushing back your cuticles is an important step in maintaining healthy nails and preventing damage. Cuticles act as a protective barrier for your nails, safeguarding them from bacteria and potential infection. Overgrown cuticles can make your nails appear shorter and may even impede their growth.
Before pushing back your cuticles, it is crucial to prepare your nails properly. Start by removing any nail polish using a non-acetone or acetone-free nail polish remover to ensure there is no oily residue, which can make the process slippery. Next, soak your nails in warm soapy water for about 5 to 10 minutes. This will help soften the cuticles and clean the nail bed. The water temperature should be warm but not hot, to keep the skin soft without causing irritation.
Once your cuticles are softened, you can begin the process of pushing them back. It is important to choose the right tools and be gentle to avoid any damage or injury to the delicate skin around your nails. Here are some commonly used tools for pushing back cuticles:
- Cuticle pusher: This is the most common tool, made of wood or metal with a curved end that fits the natural shape of your nail. It provides a precise push and a clean, neat appearance.
- Orange wood stick: Also known as a cuticle stick, it is made of soft wood and has a round, slanted edge on both ends, perfect for gently pushing back the cuticle without scratching the nail.
- Cotton swab: For a gentler option, a cotton swab can be used for those with more sensitive skin.
- Soft cloth: Similar to a cotton swab, a soft cloth provides a gentle alternative for pushing back cuticles.
- Fingers: You can simply use your fingers to gently push back your cuticles if they are adequately hydrated. Soaking them in water prior to applying cuticle oil can help with hydration.
After pushing back your cuticles, it is important to moisturize your hands, nails, and cuticles to keep them hydrated and supple. Apply a generous amount of cuticle oil, such as coconut oil, and a hand cream or lotion to prevent cracking and maintain the health and appearance of your nails.
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Trim hangnails
Hangnails are small tears of skin that occur when a sliver of skin splits away from a cuticle or fingernail. They can be caused by biting your nails, picking at your cuticles, or cutting your cuticles. To prevent infection and further irritation, it is important to trim hangnails carefully.
Before trimming, it is recommended to soak the affected finger in warm water for 10 to 15 minutes to soften the hangnail. You can also add a few drops of vitamin E oil or olive oil to the water for extra moisture. Once the hangnail is softened, use clean and sharp cuticle nippers, nail clippers, nail scissors, or cuticle cutters to gently trim the hangnail. Try to cut as close to the base of the hangnail as possible to prevent it from catching on clothing or other objects. Be careful not to cut off more skin or nail than necessary, as this can create a deep cut that can easily get infected.
After trimming, you can apply an antibacterial ointment or an over-the-counter antibiotic cream to the affected area to prevent infection and support healing. You can then cover the area with a bandage to keep the treatment in place and protect the hangnail as it heals.
It is important to resist the urge to bite, pick, or tear at hangnails, as this can cause bleeding, further irritation, and increase the risk of infection. Instead, gently trim the hangnail and provide proper aftercare to promote healing and prevent complications.
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Avoid hangnail infections
Hangnails are common and can be painful, especially if they become infected. Hangnail infections, or paronychia, can spread to other parts of the finger if left untreated. Therefore, it is important to take care of your hangnails and prevent them from becoming infected. Here are some ways to avoid hangnail infections:
Keep the skin around your nails healthy and hydrated
Wash your hands with gentle cleansers and ensure they are thoroughly dried afterward. Use a moisturizer daily and reapply it after each time you wash your hands. You can also use a fragrance-free hand cream or cuticle oil to keep your skin soft.
Avoid biting or picking at your nails and the skin around them
Biting your nails or picking at the skin can lead to tears and infection. Instead, trim your nails carefully with clean tools and avoid cutting your cuticles.
Protect your hands by wearing gloves
When doing activities such as dishwashing, gardening, or cleaning, wear gloves to protect your hands from harsh chemicals and prolonged water exposure, which can dry out your skin and lead to hangnails.
Treat hangnails promptly
If you do get a hangnail, soak your fingers in warm, soapy water to soften the skin, then gently trim the hangnail with sanitized nail clippers or small scissors. Avoid pulling or ripping the hangnail, as this can increase the risk of infection.
Seek medical attention if necessary
If your hangnail becomes infected and does not improve or worsens within a week, seek medical attention. Signs of infection include redness, swelling, pain, warmth, and the presence of pus. In some cases, infected hangnails may require abscess drainage by a healthcare provider.
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Frequently asked questions
Use a cuticle pusher to gently push your cuticles back. If you have lots of cuticles, you can then trim any excess skin with cuticle scissors. Finish by applying a generous amount of moisturiser to your hands, fingers, and cuticles.
Apply humectant-based and lipid-rich lotions during the day and emollient-rich creams and oils before bed. You can also use cuticle oil to prevent your cuticles from becoming dry and cracked.
There are many factors that cause dry skin around nails, including cold, dry weather, frequent use of hand sanitiser, and repeated hand-washing.
If you neglect the skin around your nails, you run the risk of infected cuticles and hangnails. In extreme circumstances, these infections can cause your nails to change shape, colour, or texture, or even become detached.
