Noah Sinclair
The skin under your fingernails can become hard and overgrown due to various reasons, including nail-biting, fungal infections, and certain manicures. This area, known as the hyponychium, serves as a protective barrier against germs and debris. However, when it becomes thickened, it can be unsightly and make nail trimming painful. To address this issue, individuals may opt for cuticle removers, cuticle oils, or medical treatments such as corticosteroids or antifungal medications. Maintaining nail hygiene and regularly moisturizing the area can also help keep the skin under the fingernails soft and healthy.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Skin under fingernails | Hyponychium |
| Common causes | Gel manicures, acrylic nails, nail biting, nail psoriasis, fungal infections, eczema, psoriasis, lichen planus infection, tinea, injury, skin diseases, continuous mild trauma |
| Treatment | Avoidance of certain manicures, corticosteroids, antifungal medication, cuticle oil, cuticle remover, moisturizers, lotions, moisturizing oils, cotton gloves, foul-tasting ointment, nail filing, pumice stone, kerasal |
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What You'll Learn
- The hyponychium, the skin under the free edge of the nail, can thicken due to a fungal infection
- Biting the nails and skin around them can lead to painful rips and tears that may become infected
- Gel manicures, acrylic nails, and nail biting can cause overgrown hyponychium
- Cuticle oils and moisturisers can be used to soften the hard skin around nails
- Continuous mild trauma, such as habitual finger-tapping, can cause nail deformation and thickening
The hyponychium, the skin under the free edge of the nail, can thicken due to a fungal infection
The hyponychium is the thick skin under the free edge of the nail. It acts as a barrier to protect the nail from harmful substances and infections. However, the hyponychium can become problematic when it overgrows, causing pain and increasing the risk of infection. This overgrowth is called subungual hyperkeratosis and can lead to onycholysis, the separation of the nail plate from the nail bed.
One possible cause of hyponychium overgrowth is a fungal nail infection, also known as onychomycosis. This occurs when a fungus infects the skin and spreads to the fingernail. Onychomycosis is the most common nail disease, compromising over 50% of all nail diseases, and is caused by dermatophytes in most cases. It can thicken both the nail and the skin tissue beneath it. The most common form of onychomycosis is distal and lateral subungual onychomycosis (DSLO), which starts in the hyponychium and spreads to the nail plate and bed.
Other symptoms of a fungal nail infection include discolouration, white or yellow streaks, and nail plate scales. Onychomycosis is more common in older adults over 65, diabetics, immunocompromised patients, and athletes. It is also associated with comorbidities such as tinea pedis, tinea manuum, psoriasis, peripheral vascular disease, and venous insufficiency.
Treatment for onychomycosis depends on the cause and may include avoiding certain manicures, such as gel manicures or acrylic nails, which can contribute to hyponychium overgrowth. Antifungal medication, particularly systemic oral medication, is typically the most effective treatment but may have side effects. Topical corticosteroids prescribed by a doctor can also help manage skin thickening.
If you are experiencing hyponychium overgrowth or suspect a fungal nail infection, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist, especially if the area is bleeding, discoloured, or swollen. They can determine the best treatment by examining your nails and symptoms.
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Biting the nails and skin around them can lead to painful rips and tears that may become infected
Biting the nails and skin around them is a common habit, with up to 30% of the population doing it. However, this habit can have several negative consequences for the health of your nails and the surrounding skin.
Firstly, nail-biting can cause painful rips and tears in the skin around the nails. This can lead to bleeding and create an entry point for bacteria, potentially resulting in an infection called paronychia. Paronychia is a nail infection that usually occurs when bacteria enter the skin through cuts in the cuticle and the nail fold (the skin around the nail). While paronychia typically clears up with treatment, it can sometimes lead to more serious infections if left untreated.
Additionally, nail-biting can damage the nails themselves, making them more susceptible to cracks and breaks. This, in turn, can create further opportunities for bacteria to enter the skin and cause infection. Furthermore, the constant biting and tearing at the skin around the nails can cause the skin to harden as the body's protective response to repeated damage. This can result in a cycle where harder skin leads to more biting, causing even harder skin to develop.
To break the cycle of nail-biting and skin hardening, it is important to address the habit directly. This may involve identifying triggers and finding alternative behaviours to replace nail-biting. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) can also be effective in helping to understand and change the behaviour. Additionally, keeping nails trimmed and well-maintained can reduce the temptation to bite.
In terms of treating and preventing dry, cracked skin around the nails, proper hydration and moisturization are key. This involves drinking enough water and applying moisturizer to the nails and cuticles regularly, especially during dry seasons like winter. Using cuticle oil or intensive moisturizer specifically formulated for this purpose can help soften and protect the skin. It is also important to avoid products that dry out the skin, such as acetone, and to wear gloves when working with chemicals or detergents to prevent further irritation.
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Gel manicures, acrylic nails, and nail biting can cause overgrown hyponychium
The hyponychium is the thick skin under your nail tip. It can sometimes overgrow and become thicker, making nail trimming painful and causing aesthetic concerns for some people. Pterygium inversum unguis (PIU) is an uncommon condition that is a common cause of hyponychium overgrowth. While scientists don't fully understand PIU, they know that it can be present from birth or acquired later. The acquired form is often associated with autoimmune conditions like lupus, but it can also be triggered by external factors.
One such external factor is nail biting. Nail biting can lead to the overgrowth of the hyponychium as the body reacts to repeated damage by hardening the area to avoid further harm. Similarly, gel manicures, acrylic nails, and nail biting can cause overgrown hyponychium. The application and removal processes of gel manicures and acrylic nails can weaken the nails, making them more susceptible to damage and allowing the hyponychium to grow underneath.
It is important to note that cutting the hyponychium is not recommended due to the risk of infection. If you are concerned about overgrowth, it is advisable to consult a doctor or dermatologist, especially if the area is bleeding, discoloured, or swollen. While hyponychium overgrowth may not always be preventable, maintaining good nail care practices and being mindful of the potential impact of certain habits or beauty treatments can help reduce the likelihood of it occurring.
In addition to nail biting and the use of gel manicures and acrylic nails, nail psoriasis and fungal infections can also contribute to hyponychium overgrowth. Nail psoriasis is a skin condition characterised by rapid skin cell growth, leading to scaling and buildup under the nails. Similarly, fungal infections can thicken both the nail and the underlying skin tissue. It is essential to address any underlying conditions and maintain proper nail hygiene to prevent and manage hyponychium overgrowth effectively.
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Cuticle oils and moisturisers can be used to soften the hard skin around nails
The skin under your fingernails can become hard and overgrown due to various reasons, including nail biting, gel manicures, and acrylic nails. One way to address this issue is by using cuticle oils and moisturisers to soften the hard skin around your nails.
Cuticle oils are an effective way to restore and soften the skin around your nails. They are often packed with vitamins and hydrating ingredients such as fruit and nut oils, including almond, jojoba, apricot, and argan oils. These oils are designed to address specific nail concerns, such as moisturising the surrounding skin to prevent hangnails and strengthening brittle nails. Cuticle oils with plant-based ingredients are particularly beneficial as they restore the natural moisture of your cuticles and nourish your skin.
There are a variety of cuticle oils available in the market, such as CND SolarOil, Olive & June Cuticle Serum, Sally Hansen Cuticle Oil, and Essie Cuticle Oil. These products are known for their hydrating and nourishing properties, helping to improve the texture and appearance of the skin around your nails.
In addition to cuticle oils, moisturisers also play a crucial role in softening hard skin. Intensive moisturisers, applied at least once or twice a day, can help to improve the condition of your cuticles and the surrounding skin. Regularly using hand cream or cuticle cream can also aid in softening the hard skin and providing much-needed hydration.
While cuticle oils and moisturisers are effective in softening hard skin, it is also important to address any underlying causes, such as nail biting or fungal infections. By combining proper nail care with the use of cuticle oils and moisturisers, you can effectively soften the hard skin under your fingernails and improve the overall health of your nails.
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Continuous mild trauma, such as habitual finger-tapping, can cause nail deformation and thickening
Continuous mild trauma to the nails, such as habitual finger-tapping, can cause nail deformation and thickening. This is because the nail bed is injured, and as a result, the nail may grow in a deformed way. The nail may thicken or become ridged. This type of trauma also includes using the nails as tools, such as picking at the teeth. More severe trauma, such as dropping a heavy object on the toe, can also cause similar issues.
It is important to note that nail problems can be a result of various factors, including injury, infection, and skin diseases such as eczema and psoriasis. For example, fungal infections can cause skin cells to accumulate under the fingernails, leading to thickening. Additionally, certain habits like nail-biting or picking at the loose skin around the nails can introduce bacteria into the area, increasing the risk of infection and potentially causing the skin to harden as the body tries to protect itself from repeated damage.
To address nail deformation and thickening caused by mild trauma, it is recommended to avoid the behaviour causing the trauma and seek professional help if necessary. In some cases, trimming, shaping, and nail care from a podiatrist or dermatologist can help improve the health and appearance of the nails.
Additionally, maintaining proper nail care practices can help prevent and mitigate nail issues. This includes avoiding biting nails and the skin around them, using a nail file to gently shape and smooth the nails, and regularly moisturising the nails and surrounding skin to prevent dryness and cracking. It is also important to keep the nails and hands clean and dry to reduce the risk of bacterial and fungal infections.
If the issue persists or is accompanied by other symptoms such as bleeding, discolouration, or swelling, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist or a medical professional for further evaluation and treatment.
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Frequently asked questions
The skin under your fingernails, called the hyponychium, can thicken due to various reasons, including nail biting, fungal infections, psoriasis, and eczema.
It is important to refrain from biting your nails or the skin around them. You can try using a special foul-tasting ointment to keep yourself from putting your fingers near your mouth. Soaking your hands in warm water and then pushing back your cuticles with a wooden cuticle pusher or an orange stick can help remove built-up dirt. You can also apply cuticle oil or moisturizers to soften the skin.
You can try using cuticle remover to clean up your cuticles and soften the dead dry skin around your nails. You can also try a product called Kerasal, which gently exfoliates the hard skin and moisturizes the new skin underneath.
If the skin under your fingernails is bleeding, discolored, or swollen, it is recommended to visit a dermatologist.
Diet is generally not responsible for abnormal nail changes unless the person is suffering from severe malnutrition.
