Sophia Delgado
Cuticles are the tiny strips of skin at the base of your fingernails. They are a vital part of nail health, as new nail cells are produced just beneath them. Cuticles protect the nail matrix from damage, dirt, and debris. Cuticle growth varies from person to person and is influenced by the balance between the proliferation or growth and shedding cycles of the stratum corneum. Overgrown cuticles are usually caused by a lack of cuticle maintenance, but they can also be caused by underlying health issues such as psoriasis, eczema, allergic contact dermatitis, or nutrient deficiencies.
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What You'll Learn
Poor nail care
Firstly, it is important to understand that cuticles are part of your skin and are there to protect your nails as they grow. Cuticles should not be cut or removed, as this can cause them to grow back quickly and contribute to overgrowth. Cutting cuticles can also lead to nail problems such as ridges, white spots, or lines, and can make your nails more susceptible to bacterial infections. Instead, dermatologists recommend gently pushing back the cuticles with a wooden orange stick or a cuticle pusher. This can prevent the cuticles from growing on top of your nail bed.
Secondly, poor nail care can lead to dry and cracked cuticles. Excessive hand washing, the use of hand sanitizer, or swimming in chlorinated water can cause cuticles to dry out and separate, leading to hangnails. To prevent this, it is important to keep cuticles well-hydrated and moisturized. Thick moisturizing products such as ointments or creams are recommended, and petroleum jelly is a cost-effective option. Cuticle oil, which is often made from vegetable oils, can also be used to keep cuticles healthy and hydrated.
Additionally, frequent dishwashing and the use of acetone-based nail polish removers can dry out your hands, nails, and cuticles. To prevent this, it is recommended to wear gloves when washing dishes or clothes and to use acetone-free nail polish removers.
In summary, poor nail care can lead to cuticle overgrowth, dry and cracked cuticles, and hangnails. To maintain healthy cuticles, it is important to keep them well-hydrated and moisturized, gently push them back, and protect them from drying agents such as excessive water or acetone. Good cuticle care can help prevent overgrowth and keep your nails looking and feeling their best.
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Stress
While cuticles are important for protecting your nails from bacteria, they can become unsightly if overgrown. Stress can cause people to pick at their cuticles, which can lead to breaks in the skin that may become infected or inflamed. Chronic stress can also cause the body to release more cortisol, a stress hormone that can affect the skin, hair, and nails. This may be why some people experience brittle nails when they are stressed.
In addition, stress-related nail habits such as rubbing the fingers over the thumbnail can create a distortion of the nail plate, resulting in a raised ridge forming in the middle of the nail as it grows. Physical or emotional stress can also cause white horizontal lines to appear across the nails.
While the exact link between systemic issues and overgrown cuticles is unknown, long-term stress is a possible cause of unusual cuticle growth.
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Skin conditions
The cuticle is a thin layer of clear, dead skin located along the bottom edge of the fingernail or toenail, known as the nail bed. It is attached to the nail plate and acts as a protective barrier to prevent bacteria, dirt, and fungi from infecting the nails.
Paronychia
Paronychia is a common nail infection that occurs when bacteria enter broken skin near the cuticle and nail fold, causing inflammation and infection. It can be treated with antibiotics and antifungal medication.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a skin condition characterised by the rapid multiplication of skin cells, resulting in a buildup of dead skin cells. It commonly affects the skin but can also impact the nails, causing an overgrowth of the cuticle.
Eczema
Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that can trigger overgrown cuticles. It causes itching, dry, scaly skin, and can develop near the cuticle, leading to nail changes. Excess scratching or rubbing can cause the skin around the cuticle to thicken.
Allergic Contact Dermatitis
Allergic Contact Dermatitis is a skin reaction to allergens such as fragrances, dyes, or preservatives. It can cause eczema-like changes on the hands and fingers, including the cuticles, leading to overgrowth.
It is important to note that while cuticles can become overgrown, they themselves do not grow thicker. The perception of thicker cuticles is often due to confusion with the proximal nail fold, which can thicken due to damage, injury, or disease.
To maintain healthy cuticles, it is recommended to keep them well-hydrated and moisturised. Oils, such as cuticle oil or olive oil, are preferred over creams for their better absorption into the cuticle tissue. Regular cuticle care, including gentle pushing back of the cuticle and trimming of loose skin, can help manage overgrown cuticles.
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Medical conditions
While overgrown cuticles are usually the result of poor cuticle maintenance, certain medical conditions can also cause them. These include:
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition characterised by the rapid multiplication of skin cells, leading to a buildup of dead skin cells. It commonly affects the skin but can also impact the nails, causing the rapid growth of cuticles. This can result in an overgrowth that gradually covers parts of the nail. Features of psoriatic nails include pitting of the nail plate, onycholysis (separation of the nail plate from the nail bed), and small areas of discolouration.
Eczema
Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that can trigger overgrown cuticles. It typically causes itching, dry, scaly skin, and can develop near the cuticle, leading to nail changes. Excess scratching or rubbing due to eczema can cause the skin around the cuticle to overgrow.
Allergic Contact Dermatitis
Allergic contact dermatitis is a condition where the skin reacts to allergens such as fragrances, dyes, or preservatives. It can cause eczema-like changes on the hands and fingers, including the skin surrounding the nails and cuticles.
Chronic Stress
While the exact link between systemic issues and overgrown cuticles is not fully understood, long-term stress or strain is believed to be a possible factor contributing to unusual cuticle growth. Stress can cause the body to release higher levels of the hormone cortisol, which can affect the skin, hair, and nails.
It is important to note that while overgrown cuticles are typically not a serious concern, they can occasionally lead to other issues. If overgrown cuticles become swollen, puffy, and red, it may indicate an infection such as paronychia, which requires medical attention and treatment with antibiotics or antifungal medications.
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Vitamin intake
Healthy cuticles are important for nail health, and vitamin intake plays a crucial role in maintaining this. Cuticles can become dry and prone to infection, so keeping them moisturized is essential. Cuticle oils and creams containing vitamins and antioxidants can help to hydrate and strengthen cuticles, preventing dryness and cracking.
Biotin, a B-complex vitamin, is particularly beneficial for nail health. It promotes healthy cell growth and aids in the metabolism of protein-building amino acids, which are essential for nail growth. Biotin-rich foods include organ meats, egg yolk, dairy, yeast, salmon, avocado, sweet potato, nuts, seeds, and cauliflower. Although biotin deficiency is rare, consuming biotin supplements or including biotin-rich foods in your diet may help strengthen brittle nails and improve their growth.
Other B vitamins are also important for nail health. Vitamin B12 plays a role in iron absorption and red blood cell development, both of which are necessary for strong and healthy nails. A deficiency in vitamin B12 can lead to nail discolouration and other abnormalities. Consuming meat, fish, dairy, and eggs can help increase your vitamin B12 levels.
Vitamin C is another essential nutrient for nail health. It is required for collagen production, which provides strength and integrity to nails. Ensuring adequate vitamin C intake can help maintain the health and appearance of your nails.
In addition to vitamins, mineral intake is also crucial for nail health. Zinc, for example, is necessary for the growth and division of nail cells. Animal proteins such as beef, poultry, fish, and eggs are rich sources of zinc. However, plant-based sources like soy, chickpeas, black beans, nuts, and seeds also contain zinc.
Overall, a well-rounded diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, as well as adequate protein is essential for maintaining nail health and promoting the growth of strong, healthy cuticles.
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Frequently asked questions
Cuticle growth varies from person to person and depends on the balance between the proliferation or growth and the shedding cycles of the stratum corneum. If the proliferation phase dominates, then excess cuticle tissue will result.
Overgrown cuticles usually occur from a lack of cuticle maintenance. Some health conditions might also cause cuticles to overgrow, such as psoriasis, eczema, and allergic contact dermatitis.
One of the best ways to maintain healthy cuticles is by gently pushing them back with a cuticle pusher to prevent overgrowth into the nail fold. Keeping your cuticles well-hydrated is also important.
Some signs that you may need to consult a doctor include any changes in nail colour, texture, or growth patterns that persist for more than a couple of weeks. Redness, swelling, pain, or pus around the nails may also indicate a possible infection.
Paronychia is one of the most common hand infections, which impacts the skin around the nails. It can be caused by injuries to the cuticle or nail fold, or from bacterial or fungal infections.
