Noah Sinclair
The hyponychium, or the skin under the free edge of the nail, can sometimes overgrow and become thicker, making nail trimming painful. This can be caused by various factors, including gel manicures, nail biting, and fungal infections. While it is generally good as it protects the nail from harmful substances, overgrown hyponychium can be unsightly and uncomfortable. To remove the flesh or overgrown skin under the nail, one can try different treatments, such as applying cuticle oil or using a cuticle remover, moisturising the area, or seeking medical treatments like topical corticosteroids or antifungal medication.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Hyponychium overgrowth, gel manicures, wearing acrylic nails, biting nails, nail psoriasis, fungal infections, lupus, psoriasis, PIU |
| Symptoms | Pain, discolouration, odour, thickened skin, separation of the nail plate from the nail bed |
| Treatment | Cuticle oil, antifungal medication, topical corticosteroids, cuticle remover, moisturiser, wearing gloves, nail cycling, pushing back cuticles, trimming loose skin, removing portion of nail or entire nail |
| Prevention | Avoiding gel manicures, wearing gloves when washing dishes or in winter, not biting nails, keeping nails short |
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What You'll Learn
Causes of skin under nails
The hyponychium is the skin just under the free edge of the nail, located beyond the distal end of the nail bed, near the fingertip. It acts as a barrier to prevent germs, debris, and pathogenic bacteria from getting under your nails. However, the hyponychium can sometimes overgrow and become thicker, which can cause discomfort and make trimming nails more difficult.
There are several possible causes of overgrown skin under the nails, including:
Pterygium Inversum Unguis (PIU): PIU is an uncommon condition where the hyponychium attaches to the underside of the nail as it grows. It can be present from birth or acquired later in life, often associated with autoimmune conditions such as lupus or external factors.
Nail Psoriasis: Psoriasis is a skin condition where skin cells grow rapidly and can affect the nails. It can cause scaling, buildup, and nail separation from the nail bed, also known as subungual hyperkeratosis and onycholysis, respectively.
Fungal Infections: Fungal infections can lead to skin thickening under the nails, and if left untreated, can increase the risk of infection.
Gel Manicures and Acrylic Nails: The chemicals in gel manicures and acrylic nails may contribute to hyponychium thickening, although this is not yet fully proven.
Biting Nails and Picking the Skin: Nail-biting and skin-picking habits can lead to skin overgrowth and increase the risk of infection.
If you are experiencing skin overgrowth under your nails, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist or a medical professional for proper evaluation and treatment.
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Treatment options
The skin under your nails, known as the hyponychium, can sometimes overgrow and become thicker. This can be caused by various factors, including gel manicures, wearing acrylic nails, biting your nails, nail psoriasis, or fungal infections. While it is generally good as it protects your nails from harmful substances and germs, overgrown hyponychium can be problematic, causing pain and increasing the risk of infection. Here are some treatment options to consider:
- Consult a dermatologist: If you are unsure about the cause of the skin growth under your nails, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist. They are medical professionals specializing in skin and nail conditions and can determine the best treatment plan based on your specific case.
- Topical Corticosteroids: If nail psoriasis is the underlying cause, your doctor may prescribe topical corticosteroids to help manage skin thickening.
- Antifungal Medication: In cases where a fungal infection is the culprit, systemic (oral) antifungal medication can be effective. While this approach is typically the most successful, it may come with certain side effects.
- Cuticle Oil: Applying cuticle oil can help soften the thickened skin under your nails. This is a recommended option if you want to try a more gentle approach before seeking prescription medication.
- Nail Cycling: Nail cycling is an expert-recommended trend that focuses on improving the overall health of your nails. This may help prevent and manage skin overgrowth under the nails.
- Moisturizers: Alcohol and fragrance-free moisturizers can help hydrate the skin around your nails. Moisturizing multiple times a day can lead to smoother and healthier skin in the nail region.
- Gloves: Wearing gloves, especially during the winter or when washing dishes with hot water, can protect your hands and nails from dryness and the negative effects of certain chemicals.
- Avoid Picking: It is important to avoid picking or biting the skin around your nails. Picking can lead to open cuts, providing an entry point for infections. Instead, soak and moisturize your hands to manage the urge to pick.
- Medical Treatment for Ingrown Nails: In some cases, the overgrowth of skin under the nails may be related to an ingrown fingernail. If home remedies like soaking and over-the-counter topical treatments do not provide relief, you may need to seek medical treatment. This could involve removing a portion of the nail or, in some cases, the entire nail to allow the infected area to heal.
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Home remedies
An overgrowth of the hyponychium, the skin just under the free edge of your nail, can be caused by various factors, including gel manicures, acrylic nails, nail biting, and nail picking. While the hyponychium typically acts as a barrier to protect your nails from germs and debris, its overgrowth can cause discomfort and increase the risk of infection. Here are some home remedies to address this issue:
Soaking
Soaking the affected nail in warm, salty water for 15 to 20 minutes twice daily can help relieve inflammation and prevent infection. After soaking, gently pat your nail dry and apply a topical treatment, such as an antibiotic or antifungal cream.
Cuticle Oil or Remover
Applying cuticle oil or using a cuticle remover can help soften the thickened skin. This remedy is particularly useful if the overgrowth is caused by long nails.
Nail Cycling
Try nail cycling, a trend recommended by experts that may help improve the overall health of your nails.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is known for its folk remedy properties and may be effective in reducing inflammation and easing pain. Soak the affected nail in warm water combined with a quarter cup of apple cider vinegar for up to 20 minutes daily, then dry thoroughly.
Proper Nail Care
Maintain short nails and trim them straight across to prevent overgrowth and ingrown nails.
Avoid Triggers
Refrain from nail biting and picking, and consider taking a break from gel manicures and acrylic nails if they contribute to the problem.
If home remedies do not provide relief, it is important to consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist for further evaluation and treatment. They may recommend medical treatments or, in severe cases, partial or total nail removal.
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When to see a doctor
Ingrown nails are a common issue that can usually be treated at home. However, if home remedies do not help, or if you experience any of the following symptoms, it is important to seek medical advice:
- Severe pain in the toe or finger
- Pus or increasing redness around the nail
- Signs of infection, such as felon (an infection that spreads deep into the fingertip) or osteomyelitis (inflammation of the underlying nail bone)
- Chronic conditions, such as diabetes or other conditions affecting the foot or blood flow to the feet
- Complications, such as skin infections or multiple ingrown nails
If you are experiencing any of these issues, it is important to see a doctor for further evaluation and treatment. They may recommend non-invasive medical procedures, surgery, or prescription medications to address the issue.
In the case of thickened skin under the nail, known as hyponychium, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist if you are unsure about the cause. Pterygium inversum unguis (PIU), an uncommon condition where the hyponychium attaches to the underside of the nail, can be treated with a topical corticosteroid prescribed by a doctor.
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Prevention
To prevent skin overgrowth under your nails, it's important to understand the causes of this condition. Onycholysis, or nail lifting, occurs when the nail separates from the skin underneath, often due to injury, infection, or certain skin conditions. It can be caused by nail psoriasis, fungal infections, or irritation from harsh nail products like nail polish remover and artificial nails. Nail biting, gel manicures, and wearing acrylic nails can also contribute to this issue.
- Keep your nails trimmed short to prevent them from catching on objects and lifting further.
- Avoid biting your nails, as this can cause trauma to the nail and the surrounding skin.
- Be gentle when cleaning underneath your nails. Avoid using sharp tools like cuticle sticks, as they can break the skin and lead to infection.
- Refrain from using harsh chemicals or products that can irritate your nails or the surrounding skin, such as nail polish, nail gloss, nail hardeners, and nail polish remover.
- When engaging in activities that may damage your nails, such as washing dishes, playing sports, or gardening, wear gloves to protect your nails from injury and irritation.
- Choose comfortable and protective shoes, and be cautious when putting down heavy objects to avoid nail injuries.
- If you get manicures, consider switching to builder gel, which adds a protective layer to the nail and can support the hyponychium (the skin under the nail tip).
- Consult a dermatologist if you notice any changes in the appearance or sensation of the skin under your nails. They can help determine the underlying cause and provide appropriate treatment options.
By following these preventive measures, you can reduce the likelihood of skin overgrowth under your nails and maintain healthy and well-groomed nails.
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Frequently asked questions
The hyponychium, the skin under the free edge of the nail, can sometimes overgrow. This can be caused by nail psoriasis, fungal infections, gel manicures, acrylic nails, or biting your nails.
It is not recommended to cut the hyponychium, as this may introduce an infection. Instead, you can try using cuticle oil or a cuticle remover to soften the thickened skin. If the overgrowth is due to long nails, maintain short nails and take breaks from manicures.
A doctor can prescribe a topical corticosteroid to manage skin thickening. Antifungal medication may also help if you have a fungal infection.
If the skin becomes very thick, it can cause the nail plate to separate from the nail bed. See a doctor if you notice discolouration or a smell, or if you are unsure what is causing the skin growth.
