Sophia Delgado
Have you ever noticed that the skin under your nails sometimes grows out with your nails? This is called the hyponychium, and it can be beneficial as it acts as a barrier to germs and debris. However, it can become overgrown and thick, causing discomfort and pain when trimming nails. This can be due to various reasons, such as genetic factors, wearing long nails or gel manicures for extended periods, or nail injuries. In some cases, it may be related to an underlying condition, such as lupus or psoriasis. While it may be tempting to cut or push back the hyponychium, it is essential to consult a dermatologist to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the skin under the nail | Hyponychium |
| Location | Near the fingertip, beyond the distal end of the nail bed |
| Functions | Acts as a barrier from germs and debris, contains white blood cells to prevent infection |
| Causes of overgrown hyponychium | Genetic, wearing long nails with gel or acrylics, contact dermatitis, nail injury, fungal infection, psoriasis, lupus |
| Treatment | Antifungal medication, cuticle oil, builder gel, cuticle pusher |
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What You'll Learn
The hyponychium is the skin under the nail
The hyponychium contains white blood cells to help prevent infection. However, in some cases, it may thicken or become discoloured, indicating a possible infection or other issues. Hyponychium thickening can be caused by various factors, including nail psoriasis, fungal infections, and underlying health conditions. Pterygium inversum unguis (PIU) is a condition where the hyponychium attaches to the underside of the nail as it grows, leading to skin overgrowth under the fingernail. While PIU is uncommon, it is a frequent cause of hyponychium overgrowth.
Good nail hygiene is essential for maintaining the health of the hyponychium. Regular cleaning of the nail area helps keep it free from dirt and debris. It is important to avoid activities that may cause trauma to the hyponychium, as this can compromise its protective function. Additionally, certain manicure procedures, such as gel manicures or acrylic nails, have been linked to hyponychium overgrowth. If you are concerned about hyponychium overgrowth or thickening, it is recommended to consult a doctor or dermatologist for evaluation and treatment.
The hyponychium is a critical structure in maintaining the overall health and integrity of the nail unit. Its presence provides a protective seal and an alert system through numerous nerve endings. When the seal is compromised, these nerve endings signal discomfort or pain, indicating potential damage or infection. By understanding the role of the hyponychium, individuals can take appropriate steps to care for their nails and maintain the health of this important structure.
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Pterygium inversum unguis (PIU) is an uncommon cause of skin overgrowth
The hyponychium is the thick skin under your nail tip. It acts as a barrier to protect your nails from germs and debris. However, sometimes the hyponychium can overgrow and become thicker, making it painful to trim your nails. This condition is known as Pterygium inversum unguis (PIU). PIU is characterised by the abnormal adhesion of the hyponychium to the undersurface of the nail plate, resulting in the obliteration of the distal nail groove. It is an uncommon condition but a common cause of skin overgrowth under the fingernail.
PIU can be congenital or acquired. The congenital form may be familial, with some cases suggesting a genetic predisposition. The acquired form is most commonly associated with autoimmune conditions such as lupus and collagen diseases. It can also be triggered by external factors such as nail psoriasis, a skin condition where skin cells grow too quickly, resulting in scaling and buildup under the nail. In addition, certain nail care habits, such as gel manicures, acrylic nails, and nail biting, can increase the likelihood of PIU.
While the exact cause of PIU is not fully understood, it is believed that it may be related to the chemicals present in gel polish or the application and removal process. A study by Cervantes in 2018 reported 17 women who developed PIU after using gel polish for two to five years. Nine of these patients used both UVA and LED light to cure the gel polish, suggesting a potential link between light exposure and the development of PIU. However, more research is needed to confirm this relationship.
The treatment for PIU has been considered complex, with poor responses to topical therapies such as keratolytics and corticosteroids. However, there have been reports of successful therapeutic responses to hydroxypropyl chitosan. Patients with PIU may experience pain, discomfort, and bleeding when clipping their nails, and severe cases can result in moderate morbidity. Therefore, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist for evaluation and treatment options if concerned about overgrowth or other symptoms.
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The nail groove contains dividing cells
The nail unit consists of the nail plate, the nail matrix, and the nail bed below it, with grooves surrounding it. The nail matrix, also known as the germinal matrix, is the active tissue that generates cells. The cells harden as they move outward from the nail root to the nail plate. The nail matrix is the part of the nail bed that lies beneath the nail and contains nerves, lymph, and blood vessels.
The nail matrix produces cells that become the nail plate. The nail plate, or nail body, is the hard, visible part of the nail, made of translucent keratin protein. The width and thickness of the nail plate are determined by the size, length, and thickness of the matrix, while the shape of the fingertip bone determines whether the nail plate is flat, arched, or hooked.
The nail groove, or sulcus matricis unguis, is a cutaneous slit into which the lateral margins (margo lateralis) are embedded. The lateral margin lies beneath the nail wall on the sides of the nail. The epidermis is attached to the dermis by tiny longitudinal "grooves" called matrix crests (cristae matricis unguis). In old age, the nail plate becomes thinner, and these grooves become more visible.
The nail bed is highly innervated, and the removal of the nail plate can be extremely painful. The nail bed lies underneath the nail plate, attaching it to the distal phalanx. The nail bed provides a smooth surface for the growing nail plate to slide over, but it does not contribute to plate growth itself. The germinal matrix is an area of soft tissue proximal to the nail bed, and it is from here that cells divide and become keratinised to form the nail plate. Continuous cell division within the matrix pushes the nail plate over the bed as it matures.
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The nail bed is the most sensitive area of the human body
The human nail consists of the nail plate, the nail matrix (also known as the germinal matrix), and the nail bed below it. The nail matrix is the active tissue that generates cells, which harden as they move outward from the nail root to the nail plate. The nail bed is the layer of soft tissue beneath the nail plate, to which the nail plate is attached. The nail bed provides a smooth surface for the growing nail plate to slide over.
The nail bed contains nerves, lymph, and blood vessels. It is the only living part of a nail and is, therefore, the most sensitive area of the nail. Injury to the nail bed can cause damage to the soft tissue underneath the nail plate. Following a nail bed repair, it takes approximately 6 months for the new nail to fully grow through, and the finger can be sensitive to cold during this time.
The hyponychium is the skin just under the free edge of the nail, located just beyond the distal end of the nail bed, near the fingertip. It acts as a barrier from germs and debris, stopping external substances from getting under the nails. However, the hyponychium can sometimes overgrow and become thicker, which can be painful and may increase the risk of infection. Pterygium inversum unguis (PIU) is an uncommon condition where the hyponychium attaches to the underside of the nail as it grows, causing skin overgrowth under the fingernail.
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Treatment options include antifungal medication and cuticle oil
If you have a fungal nail infection, you may notice that your nail becomes thick, discoloured, and brittle. This is due to a fungal infection, which usually starts at the edge of the nail and spreads. In addition to antifungal medication, cuticle oil can be used to treat this condition and restore nail health.
Cuticle oil is a moisturising product for nails and cuticles that is typically made from vegetable oils, and sometimes contains vitamins and citric acid. It can be used to treat extremely dry and damaged nails and cuticles, increasing circulation and stimulating nail growth. It also helps to protect the nail and cuticle against trauma and can improve the overall health and appearance of the nail. Cuticle oil can be applied with a cotton ball or brushed directly onto the nail and cuticle.
There are several cuticle oils on the market that can be purchased at different price points. For example, Sundari Neem Treatment Oil, Olive & June Cuticle Serum, and L'Occitane Shea Nail and Cuticle Oil are all available for $13, $16, and $22, respectively. These products can be purchased online or in stores and can be applied as needed.
In addition to cuticle oil, antifungal medication is another treatment option for fungal nail infections. This can come in the form of a brush-on medicine that is applied directly to the nail, or as antifungal tablets prescribed by a doctor. It is important to use these treatments regularly and for as long as recommended to ensure the infection does not return.
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Frequently asked questions
The hyponychium, or "quick", is the area of epithelium underlying the free edge of the nail plate. It acts as a barrier from germs and debris, stopping external substances from getting under your nails. Sometimes, the hyponychium can overgrow and become thicker, which can be painful and increase the chance of infection. Pterygium inversum unguis (PIU) is an uncommon condition that is a common cause of skin overgrowth under the fingernail.
If you are unsure what is causing skin growth under your nails, it is recommended to visit a dermatologist. Antifungal medication and cuticle oil can help to soften thickened skin under the nail.
Bacteria can enter the skin through cuts in the cuticle and the nail fold (the skin around the nail). Nail biting, frequent manicures or pedicures, and nail biting can also cause trauma to the nail bed or cuticle area, leading to infection.
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