Isla Bennett
Cuticles are a part of the skin that sits atop the nail growth matrix, which is the part of the nail that grows. Cuticles are there to protect the nail matrix. Overgrown cuticles are a common nail concern, and there are several reasons why someone might be prone to them. Neglecting proper nail care is a top reason for cuticles to overgrow. It is important to take care of your nails and the skin around them. Poor nail care can cause cuticles to grow beyond the proximal fold. Some health conditions might also cause cuticles to overgrow or grow too quickly, such as psoriasis, eczema, and allergic contact dermatitis.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Lack of maintenance | Neglecting proper nail care, such as cutting or removing cuticles, can cause them to grow back quickly and contribute to overgrowth. |
| Stress | Chronic stress can cause the body to release more cortisol, affecting the skin, hair, and nails. |
| Health conditions | Psoriasis, eczema, and allergic contact dermatitis can cause an overgrowth of cuticle skin. |
| Proliferation phase | If the proliferation or growth phase dominates the shedding cycles of the stratum corneum, excess cuticle tissue will result. |
| Damage, injury, or disease | Pterygium is a condition characterized by abnormal, wing-like and triangular tissue growths, which can occur on the nail plate due to these factors. |
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What You'll Learn
Poor nail care
Proper nail care involves regular soaking and moisturising of the cuticles to keep them soft and supple. Thick moisturising products such as ointments or creams are recommended by dermatologists for the best results. Petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, is an inexpensive and effective option for cuticle care. However, some may find it impractical to use during the day due to its messiness. Lotions are a more convenient alternative, but they may not provide the same level of moisturisation as thicker products. A hot wax treatment is another recommended option for moisturising the cuticles, which can be offered at nail salons.
It is important to note that cuticles should never be cut or removed. Cutting the cuticles can lead to nail problems such as ridges, white spots, or lines, and it may also increase the tendency for the cuticles to split or fracture. Instead, gently pushing back the cuticles with a wooden orange stick or a cuticle stick is a recommended way to address overgrowth. This method can prevent cuticles from growing onto the nail bed and causing further issues.
Additionally, certain activities and products can dry out the cuticles, nails, and hands. Frequent dishwashing and the use of nail polish remover containing acetone can strip moisture from the nails and cuticles. To prevent this, it is recommended to wear gloves when washing dishes or clothes and to use acetone-free nail polish remover. Applying a lubricant or cuticle oil before putting on gloves can also help lock in moisture and protect the nails and cuticles from drying out.
While less common, systemic issues in the body may also contribute to cuticle overgrowth. Chronic stress, for example, can lead to increased levels of cortisol, a stress hormone that can affect various parts of the body, including the nails. However, the exact link between systemic issues and overgrown cuticles is not yet fully understood.
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Skin conditions
Cuticles are a thin layer of dead skin that grows around the edge of toenails and fingernails. They act as a protective barrier to prevent bacteria, dirt, and fungus from getting beneath the nail and causing infection. However, in some cases, cuticles can become overgrown and cover parts of the nail. While this is usually not a cause for concern, if the cuticles become swollen, puffy, and red, or if they are severely dry or cracked, medical attention should be sought.
There are several skin conditions that can cause cuticles to grow over the nails. One such condition is psoriasis, a chronic skin condition characterized by rapid skin cell multiplication, resulting in a buildup of dead skin cells. Psoriasis can affect the nails, leading to cuticle overgrowth, pitting of the nail plate, separation of the nail plate from the nail bed, and small areas of discolouration.
Another skin condition that can impact cuticle growth is eczema, an inflammatory skin condition that causes itching, dry, scaly skin. Eczema can develop near the cuticles, leading to excess scratching or rubbing, which can cause the skin to overgrow. Allergic contact dermatitis, triggered by exposure to certain fragrances, dyes, or preservatives, can also induce eczema-like changes on the hands and fingers, affecting the cuticles.
In rare cases, a condition called pterygium may be responsible for cuticle overgrowth. Pterygium is characterised by abnormal, wing-like, and triangular-shaped tissue growth. It occurs when the nail matrix is damaged, resulting in scar tissue that attaches to the nail plate and stretches forward as the nail grows out. Pterygium can be caused by burns, serious injury, damage, disease, allergic reactions, or underlying systemic issues. However, it is important to distinguish pterygium from simply having "monster cuticles," which is a common misconception.
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Stress
While the exact link between systemic issues and overgrown cuticles is unknown, chronic stress is a possible cause of unusual cuticle growth. Stress causes the body to release cortisol, a stress hormone that can affect various body parts, including the skin, hair, and nails.
Cutting or removing cuticles is not recommended, as this can cause them to grow back quickly and contribute to overgrowth. Instead, gentle maintenance techniques, such as regular moisturizing and exfoliating, can help prevent and treat overgrown cuticles. Cuticle overgrowth is typically not a serious issue, but if it becomes swollen, puffy, and red, it may indicate an infection, and medical attention should be sought.
Additionally, certain vitamins and supplements marketed for improving hair and nail growth may contain vitamins such as biotin, iron, magnesium, and zinc, which can cause cuticles to grow faster than normal. Maintaining a healthy balance of these vitamins and keeping the cuticles well-hydrated and moisturized can help manage cuticle growth and promote overall nail health.
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Damage or injury
While overgrown cuticles are usually caused by a lack of cuticle maintenance, they can also be caused by damage, injury, or disease. Pterygium, for example, is a medical condition characterised by abnormal growths of wing-like and triangular-shaped tissue. Although it typically occurs on the eyeballs of people exposed to lots of sunlight or wind, it can also occur on the nail plate, caused by burns, serious injury, damage, disease, or allergic reactions.
Cuticles can also become severely dry or cracked, which can lead to bacteria or fungus entering between the nail and the skin and causing infection. This can result in conditions such as paronychia, which is characterised by swollen, puffy, and red cuticles. In severe cases, bacteria can enter the nail and cause acute paronychia, requiring drainage and antibiotic treatment.
To prevent damage or injury to the cuticles, dermatologists advise against cutting or removing them, as this can cause them to grow back quickly and contribute to overgrowth. Instead, it is recommended to gently push back the cuticles with a wooden orange stick. Keeping the cuticles and nails moisturised is also important, and this can be done with cuticle oil or ointments such as petroleum jelly.
In addition to damage and injury, overgrown cuticles can also be caused by various medical conditions, including psoriasis, eczema, and allergic contact dermatitis. These conditions can affect the growth of skin and nails, leading to an overgrowth of cuticle skin.
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Lack of moisture
Cuticle oil is a moisturizing product for nails and cuticles, usually made from vegetable oils, and sometimes containing vitamins and citric ingredients. Dermatologists recommend thick moisturizing products such as ointments or creams for the best results. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends petroleum jelly (Vaseline) as an inexpensive way to moisturize cuticles. However, some doctors say that using a thick product like petroleum jelly throughout the day is not always practical, so there are alternatives for when you are active. Lotions, for example, can be used throughout the day as they are less greasy, but they are not as moisturizing as ointments or creams. A hot wax treatment is another good way to moisturize the cuticles, and this can be done at a nail salon.
Cuticles should be kept soft, and cutting them can make them harder and more likely to fracture. Instead, gently pushing them back with a wooden orange stick can help to address overgrowth. This can be done every couple of days when wearing nail polish to help prevent excessive cuticle care after the polish is removed.
The hands, nails, and cuticles can dry out from frequent dishwashing and from using nail polish remover containing acetone. Experts recommend wearing gloves for dishwashing and using acetone-free nail polish remover to prevent this.
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Frequently asked questions
Cuticles can grow over nails due to a lack of maintenance or medical conditions. Neglecting proper nail care can cause cuticles to overgrow. Dermatologists recommend against cutting cuticles as it may lead to nail problems and open the door to infection. Instead, gently pushing back the cuticles is a better way to manage overgrown cuticles.
Some medical conditions that cause cuticles to overgrow include psoriasis, eczema, and allergic contact dermatitis. Psoriasis is a skin condition where skin cells multiply rapidly, causing a buildup of dead skin cells. Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that causes itching and dry, scaly skin.
The proximal nail fold is the living skin at the base of the fingernail that helps protect the nail matrix (where your nail grows from) from damage, dirt, and debris. It is sometimes confused with the cuticle, but they are distinct parts of the nail.
To prevent cuticles from growing over nails, it is important to maintain a regular cuticle care routine. This includes gently pushing them back and keeping them moisturized with products like cuticle oil, ointments, or creams.
While lack of maintenance and medical conditions are common causes of overgrown cuticles, stress may also play a role. Chronic stress can cause the body to release more cortisol, affecting various parts of the body, including nails. However, the exact link between systemic issues and overgrown cuticles is not yet fully understood.
