Caleb Foster
Dry skin around the fingernails is a common issue that can be caused by a variety of factors, including cold and dry weather, frequent hand washing, and nail biting. This can lead to painful rips and tears in the skin, which may become infected. To prevent and treat dry skin around the fingernails, it is important to incorporate hand and cuticle care into your daily routine, including the use of moisturizers and cuticle oils. Soaking the hands in warm water and oil is also recommended to soften and hydrate the skin.
Why is the skin around my fingernails so dry?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Weather | Cold, dry weather |
| Hand Washing | Frequent hand washing |
| Sanitation | Frequent use of hand sanitiser |
| Swimming | Swimming in chlorinated water |
| Diet | Nutritional deficiency |
| Cosmetics | Allergies to cosmetics, including nail polishes and acetone-based nail polish remover |
| Chemicals | Exposure to chemicals, including detergents, soap, and latex gloves |
| Habits | Nail biting |
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What You'll Learn
Dry, cold weather
To prevent and treat dry skin around your fingernails in cold, dry weather, it is important to keep your hands warm and moisturised. Wear gloves when outdoors to protect your hands from the cold and use a moisturising hand cream regularly, especially after meals. Choose a moisturiser that suits your skin type and apply it at least three times a day to your palms. You can also apply petroleum jelly to the skin around your nails to make them softer, although this may make your skin greasy, so remember to wash your hands before handling anything.
In addition to moisturising, you can also try soaking your hands in warm water for about 5 minutes to help soften the skin. Then, use a wooden cuticle pusher or an orange stick to gently push back your cuticles. Be careful not to cut or remove your cuticles, as this can expose your skin to bacteria and infections. Instead, focus on trimming away any excess or dead skin around your nails carefully.
Other tips to prevent dry skin around your fingernails in cold, dry weather include avoiding hot water, which can dehydrate the skin, and limiting the use of harsh chemicals such as nail polish removers containing acetone or alcohol-based hand sanitisers.
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Biting nails and skin
Biting nails and the skin around them is a common habit, often starting in childhood and continuing into adulthood. It can be caused by nervousness, apprehension, or other unpleasant events. This habit can lead to dry, cracked, and bleeding skin, which can become infected. Repeated nail biting can also make the skin around your nails feel sore and damage the tissue that helps nails grow, resulting in abnormally shaped nails.
If you bite your nails and the skin around them, it is important to take steps to stop this habit and treat the damaged skin. Firstly, try to identify what triggers your nail and skin-biting, such as stress or anxiety, and address those underlying issues. You can also try to keep your nails trimmed short, so there is less nail to bite. Applying bitter-tasting nail polish to your nails is a safe and effective way to deter nail biting. Keeping your nails well-maintained and looking their best can also reduce the temptation to bite them.
To treat the dry and damaged skin around your nails, it is important to keep your hands and cuticles well-moisturized. Use lotions, moisturizing oils, or store-bought moisturizers specifically designed for cuticles. Soak your hands in warm water for a few minutes to soften the skin, then gently push back your cuticles and trim away any excess skin. Be careful not to cut the skin that surrounds your nail, as this can increase the risk of infection. Instead, only remove loose, dead skin that is white in color and could snag on things.
If you find it difficult to stop biting your nails and skin, or if you develop an infection, it is important to seek help. Speak to a doctor or a mental health professional, who can provide guidance and support. They may recommend cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or habit reversal training (HRT) to help you change your behavioral responses and break the habit.
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Lack of nourishment
Dry skin around the fingernails can be caused by various factors, and one of the primary reasons is a lack of nourishment. Our skin, including the areas around our fingernails, requires essential nutrients to maintain its health and hydration. When our bodies are deprived of these vital nutrients, it can lead to dryness and other skin issues.
A balanced diet that includes these nutrients is crucial for maintaining skin health. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish, nuts, and seeds, are renowned for their skin-nourishing properties. They help keep the skin hydrated and promote the production of natural oils, ensuring that the skin around your fingernails remains supple and moisturized. Incorporating vitamin C-rich foods, such as citrus fruits, bell peppers, and broccoli, is also essential. Vitamin C plays a vital role in collagen synthesis, which provides structure and strength to the skin, helping it remain resilient and less prone to dryness and cracking.
Biotin, a water-soluble vitamin, is another critical nutrient. It is often referred to as 'vitamin H,' reflecting its importance in maintaining healthy hair, skin, and nails. Biotin deficiency can lead to brittle nails and dry, flaky skin around the nail bed. You can naturally boost your biotin intake by consuming more eggs, nuts, seeds, and legumes. These dietary adjustments will help ensure your body receives the nourishment it needs to keep your skin and nails healthy and vibrant.
In addition to a well-balanced diet, staying properly hydrated is crucial for skin health. Water aids in flushing out toxins, delivering nutrients to the skin, and maintaining its elasticity. Aim for an adequate water intake throughout the day to keep your skin and nails hydrated and promote overall health. By addressing any nutritional deficiencies and ensuring proper hydration, you can effectively combat dry skin around your fingernails and improve your overall skin health and appearance.
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Allergies to cosmetics
Dry skin around the fingernails is a common issue, often caused by cold, dry weather, biting nails, or picking at the skin. This can lead to painful rips and tears that may become infected. To prevent and treat dry skin around the fingernails, it is important to moisturize regularly and avoid products that dry out the skin, such as acetone-based nail polish removers.
Nail polishes, for example, often contain strong solvents and colourants that can irritate the skin. Formaldehyde resin, found in some nail polishes, is a common ingredient that causes allergic contact dermatitis. Additionally, acetone, a common ingredient in nail polish removers, can dry and damage the skin around the nails. Cuticle removers, which contain alkaline chemicals like sodium or potassium hydroxide, can also irritate the skin if left on for too long.
Artificial nails are another cosmetic product that can cause allergic reactions. The chemical combination used to create artificial nails includes liquid methacrylate acid esters, powdered polymethyl methacrylate polymer, benzoyl peroxide accelerator, and hydroquinone. These chemicals can lead to irritant and allergic contact dermatitis reactions, with some cases resulting in rare but serious reactions such as paraesthesias (tingling and prickling) and nail loss.
To prevent and treat dry skin around the fingernails caused by cosmetic allergies, it is important to identify and avoid products that contain allergens or irritating ingredients. Instead, opt for natural and gentle alternatives. Moisturizing the skin around the nails regularly with products like cuticle oil or petroleum jelly can also help to heal and protect the skin. Additionally, wearing gloves while using products that contain harsh chemicals, such as detergents, can minimize direct contact with potential allergens.
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Nutritional deficiencies
One nutritional deficiency that can lead to brittle nails is biotin deficiency. Biotin is involved in strengthening proteins, amino acids, and collagen, and its deficiency can cause brittle nails. A biotin deficiency can occur due to a bacterial imbalance in the gut, as friendly bacteria in the gut produce biotin. Antibiotics or leaky gut issues can also lead to this imbalance. Correcting dietary issues and supplementing with probiotics or nutritional yeast can help address this deficiency.
Iron deficiency is another possible cause of dry and peeling skin around the nails. If you suspect iron deficiency, try incorporating iron-rich foods into your diet. If symptoms persist, consult a doctor, especially if you notice peeling on your toenails.
Zinc deficiency can also cause nail problems. Scattered white spots on the nails can indicate a lack of zinc. If you notice these spots, it is recommended to stop using nail products and allow the nail to grow. If the spots persist or reappear, consult a healthcare professional.
Additionally, thyroid problems can create vertical ridges up and down the nails. If you suspect a thyroid issue, it is advisable to seek medical advice.
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Frequently asked questions
Dry skin around the nails can be caused by a variety of factors, including cold, dry weather, frequent hand washing, and the use of hand sanitiser.
To treat dry skin around your nails, you should soak your hands in warm water for about 5 minutes, gently push back your cuticles, trim away any excess skin, and apply a generous amount of moisturiser.
To prevent dry skin around your nails, you should avoid overexposure to water, wear gloves when washing dishes or gardening, and regularly moisturise your hands and cuticles, especially during winter.
You can use a variety of products to treat dry skin around your nails, such as hand creams, cuticle oils, or moisturisers specifically designed for cuticles. Look for products that are oil-based, such as coconut oil, or those containing Vitamin E and biotin.
While you can gently cut or remove hangnails or dead skin that is jutting out, you should avoid cutting the skin that surrounds your nail (the cuticle). Cutting the cuticle can make you more susceptible to infections. Instead, focus on keeping the skin moisturised to prevent dryness and cracking.
