Isla Bennett
Dry skin around the nails is a common issue, often caused by environmental factors such as cold, dry weather and biting nails. It can also be due to frequent hand washing, the use of harsh chemicals, and exposure to allergens. To prevent and treat dry skin around the nails, it is essential to keep the area well-moisturized and avoid cutting the cuticles, as they protect against bacterial infections.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Allergies to cosmetics, including nail polish and nail polish remover, or chemicals like soap, detergents, and latex gloves |
| Cause | Prolonged sun exposure |
| Cause | Frequent hand washing with soap |
| Cause | Nutritional deficiency |
| Cause | Dry weather |
| Cause | Nail biting |
| Treatment | Moisturize the area with a cream or oil |
| Treatment | Cuticle cream with vitamins A, C, and E, and natural oils such as almond and sunflower oil |
| Treatment | Cuticle oil with ingredients like grapeseed oil, aloe vera, and sunflower oil |
| Treatment | Coconut oil |
| Treatment | Shea butter |
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What You'll Learn
Dry air and cold weather
During the winter, the air contains less humidity, which can cause the growth rate of nails to slow down. Nails become more brittle and prone to breakage, thinning, and peeling. Exposure to cold temperatures can further dehydrate your nails, as they are made mostly of keratin, a type of protein.
To prevent dry skin around your nails in cold weather, it is essential to protect your hands by wearing gloves. It is also important to keep your hands and nails well-moisturized. Moisturizing the skin around your nails can help seal in moisture and prevent further dryness and cracking. You can use lotions, moisturizing oils, or store-bought moisturizers specifically designed for cuticles. Alcohol and fragrance-free moisturizers are usually better at hydrating the skin. Additionally, try to avoid using hot water as it can contribute to a broken skin barrier. Instead, opt for lukewarm water and gently pat your hands dry.
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Biting nails and skin
Biting nails and the skin around them is a common habit that often starts in childhood. However, it can lead to several issues, including hangnails, soreness, and damaged or infected cuticles.
Hangnails are jagged pieces of skin that stick out from the sides of your fingernails. They can be painful and prone to infection. Biting your nails and the surrounding skin can increase your risk of developing hangnails.
Your cuticle is the delicate layer of clear skin at the base of your fingernail. It acts as a protective barrier against bacteria. Biting your cuticles can lead to dryness, cracking, and peeling, making it easier for bacteria to enter and cause an infection.
In addition to increasing the risk of infection, biting your nails and skin can also affect the appearance of your nails and the surrounding area. It can damage the tissue that helps nails grow, resulting in abnormal-looking nails.
If you struggle with chronic nail and skin biting, it may be a sign of a disorder called dermatophagia. This condition is characterised by compulsively biting and eating the skin, leaving it bloody, damaged, and vulnerable to infection. If you suspect you have dermatophagia, it is important to seek help from a mental health professional or a doctor, who can provide guidance and treatment options.
To prevent nail and skin biting, you can try keeping your nails trimmed short, applying bitter-tasting nail polish, or maintaining well-groomed nails. These strategies can help reduce the temptation to bite.
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Nutritional deficiencies
Vitamin B3, also known as niacin, is an important vitamin for skin health, and a deficiency can lead to dry and peeling skin around the nails. Similarly, vitamin B7 deficiency can cause peeling skin in the cuticle area. Vitamin A toxicity can also cause skin around the nails to peel.
Iron deficiency can also cause brittle nails, which may be rough and split or crack easily. This condition is known as onychoschizia. Spoon nails, where the nail appears concave either horizontally or vertically, are also associated with iron deficiency.
Zinc deficiency can cause white spots to appear on the nails.
In addition to vitamin and mineral deficiencies, nutritional deficiencies such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism can also cause nail issues.
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Allergies to cosmetics
Individuals with sensitive skin may experience allergic contact dermatitis, characterised by redness, swelling, itching, blisters, dry and cracked skin, and a burning sensation or pain around the nails. In some cases, these reactions can lead to secondary nail infections such as paronychia, onycholysis, and onychia.
To prevent allergic reactions, it is recommended to opt for hypoallergenic nail products, perform patch tests, and maintain good nail hygiene. Regular manicures without artificial enhancements can also reduce the risk of nail allergies. Keeping nails clean, trimmed, and moisturised is essential for balancing beauty and skin health.
Additionally, excessive use of alcohol-based hand sanitisers, cosmetics containing alcohol and acetone, and harsh detergents can contribute to dry skin around the fingernails. Prolonged sun exposure without adequate sun protection can also lead to skin peeling.
If you experience persistent dryness or other associated symptoms, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist for proper assessment and treatment.
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Swimming in chlorinated water
Swimming is a great form of exercise, but it can take a toll on your skin, hair, and nails. Chlorinated water, in particular, can be damaging. The chemical strips your skin of its natural oils, leaving it dry, itchy, flaky, and sensitive. This can lead to a chlorine rash, which is a type of irritant dermatitis. It is worth noting that a chlorine rash is more likely to be a result of sensitivity to chlorine rather than an allergy.
Chlorinated water can also damage your nails, leaving them dry and brittle. Nails can absorb water, and when submerged for long periods, they become more susceptible to damage. This is why it is recommended to wear gloves when doing the dishes.
There are several ways to prevent and treat dry skin and nails caused by chlorinated water. Firstly, it is important to minimize the amount of chlorinated water your skin and nails absorb. Before swimming, soak your hair and skin with fresh water, and apply an oil-based, leave-in conditioning treatment to your hair. This will help create a barrier, reducing the amount of chlorinated water absorbed.
After swimming, be sure to wash off the chlorinated water and rinse well. You can also purchase body washes and lotions that are designed to remove chlorine and soothe the skin. It is important to moisturize your skin and nails regularly, especially after swimming. Look for moisturizers containing ceramides and alpha-hydroxy acids to help restore the skin's natural pH balance.
To treat dry nails, apply a hydrating base coat and cuticle oil. Cuticle oil will help to soften and hydrate the nail area, and it can also help prevent future dryness and cracking. Ingredients to look for in cuticle oil include sunflower oil, grapeseed oil, and aloe vera. Coconut oil is a great at-home, affordable option.
By following these steps, you can help prevent and treat dry skin and nails caused by swimming in chlorinated water.
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Frequently asked questions
Dry skin around the fingernails can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Environmental factors such as cold, dry weather
- Biting nails and the skin around them
- Frequent hand washing with soap
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Allergies to cosmetics, including nail polish and nail polish remover
- Swimming in chlorinated water
To treat dry skin around your fingernails, you can try the following:
- Apply a moisturiser or oil to the area
- Soak your hands in warm water before moisturising
- Wear gloves when washing dishes or gardening
- Avoid biting your nails and the skin around them
- Try using pure shea butter on the area
To prevent dry skin around your fingernails, try the following:
- Keep your hands moisturised
- Wear gloves when doing housework or gardening
- Avoid nail biting
- Use sunscreen to protect your hands from sunburn
- Avoid alcohol-based hand sanitisers and cosmetics containing alcohol and acetone
Dry skin around the fingernails can lead to:
- Hangnails, which can be painful and may become infected
- Bacteria entering through the skin and causing infections or other illnesses
- Changes in the shape, colour or texture of the nail
Signs of an infection in the skin around the fingernails can include:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Pain
- Soreness
- Pus
If you suspect an infection, seek medical advice from a doctor or pharmacist.
