Noah Sinclair
Hard skin around the nails can be unsightly and uncomfortable. It is usually caused by repeated friction or pressure, such as frequent hand washing or walking gait. The skin around the nails is very delicate and can be affected by cold, dry weather, hand sanitiser, and nail biting. To remove hard skin around the nails, it is recommended to first soften the area by soaking it in warm water, then using a tool such as a pumice stone or foot file to gently file away the dead skin. It is important not to remove too much skin, as this can cause bleeding and increase the risk of infection. After removing the hard skin, the area should be moisturised with a product containing oils, Vitamin E, or biotin to restore hydration and prevent further hardening.
How to remove hard skin around nails
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Repeated friction or pressure |
| Prevention | Reduce friction or pressure on the affected area |
| Home remedies | Soak in warm water, use a pumice stone, foot file or sandpaper dipped in warm water to file down dead skin, moisturize with a product containing salicylic acid, ammonium lactate, or urea |
| Medical treatment | Antibiotics, specialized treatment, laser therapy |
| Products | Simply Pure™ hydrating oil, Simply Sealed™ Lotion Stick, SPN cuticle oil, Restorative Nail Cream |
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What You'll Learn
Soak nails in warm water
Soaking your nails in warm water is an effective way to remove hard skin around your nails. It is a natural, chemical-free solution that is safe and gentle on your skin and nails.
To begin, fill a bowl with warm water. The water should be warm enough to soften your nails and cuticles but not too hot to burn your skin. You can add a few drops of soap to the water to help soften your hands further. You could also add a few drops of cuticle oil to the water to nourish your skin.
Once you have prepared the water, carefully submerge your hands into the bowl. Soak your nails for around 10-15 minutes. This will give the warm water enough time to soften the hard skin around your nails.
After soaking, gently remove your hands from the water. You can then use a cuticle pusher to carefully push back and remove any remaining hard skin around your nails. Finish by rinsing your hands with lukewarm water and gently drying them.
Soaking your nails in warm water is a simple and effective way to remove hard skin. It is important to be gentle with your nails and skin to avoid any damage or irritation.
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Use a cuticle pusher
Using a cuticle pusher is a safe and easy way to remove hard skin around your nails. Cuticle pushers are typically made from plastic, stainless steel, or wood, and feature a flat or rounded end.
Before using a cuticle pusher, it is important to sanitise the tool for hygiene and efficacy. Wash the cuticle pusher in warm, soapy water, then soak it in a disinfectant solution like rubbing alcohol for at least 10 minutes. Rinse and dry the pusher thoroughly, then store it in a clean, dry place.
When using the cuticle pusher, hold it at a 45-degree angle to your nail. Using light pressure, start at the base of the nail and slowly push the cuticles back towards the skin. Be careful not to press too hard, as this can damage the nail bed or skin. After pushing back the cuticles, use the other end of the cuticle pusher or a cuticle trimmer to carefully remove the excess dead skin.
It is important to only trim the white, dead skin and not the live skin. You can then finish by applying a nourishing cuticle oil or hand cream. Regular moisturising will lead to softer, more flexible cuticles that resist fraying.
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Moisturise with oil-based products
Moisturising with oil-based products is an effective way to remove hard skin around nails. Oils such as coconut oil, vitamin E oil, jojoba oil, and almond oil are all recommended for their hydrating and nourishing properties.
One way to incorporate these oils into your nail care routine is to use a cuticle oil. Cuticle oils are designed to moisturise and nourish the nail bed and the surrounding skin. They can help prevent polish from peeling and promote nail growth. When choosing a cuticle oil, opt for one with hydrating ingredients such as jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, or avocado oil, as these oils have small molecules that can penetrate the skin effectively.
You can also find cuticle oils with added ingredients such as aloe vera, which helps to moisturise the nail bed, or keratin, which strengthens nails and prevents cracking. Cuticle oils with rollerball or brush applicators are convenient and help control the amount of product dispensed, minimising spills and mess.
In addition to cuticle oils, you can use oil-based products such as coconut oil or olive oil to soften the hard skin around your nails. Soaking your fingertips in warm oil can instantly hydrate the skin and make it appear healthier.
To enhance the benefits of moisturising, spend a good one to two minutes massaging the oil into your skin. This will stimulate blood flow to the area and promote healing.
By incorporating these oil-based products into your nail care routine, you can effectively remove hard skin around your nails, leaving them looking and feeling healthier.
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Wear protective gloves
While wearing protective gloves is not directly associated with removing hard skin around nails, gloves are essential in nail salons to protect against biological hazards and chemicals. Disposable nitrile gloves are the most popular choice for nail technicians as they are durable, resistant to many chemicals, and offer a comfortable fit. They are also efficient at guarding against bloodborne diseases and infections, and will not ruin nails or manicures.
Nitrile gloves are preferred over latex gloves, which can cause allergic reactions, and vinyl gloves, which are less durable and resistant to chemicals. However, vinyl gloves offer better resistance to acetone. It is important to note that single-use gloves should be discarded after each use and that wearing gloves for extended periods may lead to the formation of natural skin yeast.
In the context of UV gel manicures, UV fingerless gloves have gained popularity for shielding the skin from UV rays. These gloves are typically used in outdoor activities and provide access for nail artists to paint fingertips. While the use of UV lamps in manicures has been linked to premature aging of the skin, the overall risk to skin health during short appointments is minimal.
To address this, some people apply sunscreen to their hands before putting on gloves. Overall, the decision to wear UV protection gloves during manicures is a personal choice, and there are no standard regulations mandating their use.
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Seek professional help
If you have persistent hard skin around your nails, it may be best to seek professional help. This is particularly important if you are experiencing any pain or discomfort, or if the skin is infected or inflamed.
A dermatologist is a skin specialist who can diagnose and treat a wide range of skin conditions, including those affecting the skin around your nails. They can provide expert advice and recommend an appropriate treatment plan to help manage your specific condition. For example, if the hard skin is caused by a fungal infection, a dermatologist may prescribe antifungal medication.
In some cases, a podiatrist may be the best professional to consult. Podiatrists specialize in the care of the feet, but they can also provide treatment for nail and skin conditions affecting the feet and, sometimes, the hands. They may be able to perform treatments such as nail debridement to remove the hard skin and reduce its thickness.
If you are experiencing any pain, redness, swelling, or discharge around your nails, it is important to seek medical advice promptly. Your primary care provider can assess the condition and may refer you to a specialist if needed. They can also provide guidance on pain management and recommend appropriate over-the-counter or prescription medications.
Remember, it is always better to seek professional help than to attempt to treat a condition on your own, especially when it comes to sensitive areas like the skin around your nails.
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Frequently asked questions
Hard skin around the nails is usually caused by friction or pressure. To remove it, you can soak the area in warm water, use a foot file or pumice stone to file down the dead skin, and then apply a moisturiser with salicylic acid, ammonium lactate, or urea. If the hard skin is on your feet, try to avoid standing or walking for long periods.
To prevent hard skin from forming, you can minimise the friction or pressure on the area. You can also try to keep your hands and nails moisturised, especially after washing your hands.
Hard skin around the nails is usually caused by friction or pressure. This can be caused by walking, footwear, or other irritants. It can also be caused by a fungal infection, which can cause the nail to become brittle, thickened, and discoloured.
If the hard skin is cracked or infected, you should see a doctor. They may prescribe antibiotics or refer you to a dermatologist or foot specialist for specialised treatment.
