Isla Bennett
Dead skin under the fingernails is a common issue with a variety of causes. The skin under the fingernail is called the hyponychium, and it acts as a barrier to prevent germs and debris from getting under the nails. When the hyponychium thickens, it can be a result of nail psoriasis, fungal infections, or physical injuries. It can also be caused by certain manicures, nail-biting, or wearing acrylic nails. Treatment options include keeping nails trimmed, using diluted vinegar or tea tree oil, or applying products like Cutique by Orly, which contains an enzyme that breaks down dead skin.
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What You'll Learn
- Gel manicures, acrylic nails, and nail biting can cause overgrown hyponychium
- Nail psoriasis and fungal infections can lead to skin cell accumulation
- Paronychia is a bacterial nail infection that can cause nail discolouration
- Onycholysis is when the nail separates from its nail bed, often due to injury
- Dry, cracked skin around nails can be caused by cold weather and nail biting
Gel manicures, acrylic nails, and nail biting can cause overgrown hyponychium
The hyponychium is the thick skin under your nail. Sometimes, the hyponychium can overgrow and thicken, which can make trimming nails painful and undesirable aesthetically. Pterygium inversum unguis (PIU) is an uncommon condition but a common cause of skin overgrowth under the fingernail. While scientists don't fully understand PIU, they know that it can be present from birth or acquired later. The acquired form is most commonly associated with autoimmune conditions such as lupus but can also be triggered by external factors such as gel manicures, acrylic nails, and nail biting.
Gel manicures can cause PIU, and avoiding these procedures will usually reverse it. A 2022 study by Litaiem M et al. reviewed the side effects of gel nail polish. Similarly, a 2020 case report by Zhang X-L et al. associated PIU with systemic lupus erythematosus. If you get gel manicures and are experiencing overgrown hyponychium, consider switching to regular manicures.
Acrylic nails can also cause PIU, and avoiding them will usually reverse the condition. A 2017 study by Cervantes J et al. examined PIU secondary to gel polish. If you wear acrylic nails and are experiencing overgrown hyponychium, consider switching to a different type of manicure or no manicure at all.
Nail biting can also lead to overgrown hyponychium. If you bite your nails and are experiencing this issue, try to break the habit. Additionally, nail psoriasis and fungal infections can cause skin cells to accumulate under your fingernails. If you notice bleeding, discolouration, or swelling, visit a dermatologist for proper diagnosis and treatment.
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Nail psoriasis and fungal infections can lead to skin cell accumulation
Dead skin growing under the fingernail is a condition known as hyponychium overgrowth. The hyponychium is the skin just under the free edge of the nail, acting as a barrier to prevent external substances, germs, and debris from getting under the nails. It is located near the fingertip, just beyond the distal end of the nail bed.
Several factors can cause the hyponychium to overgrow, including gel manicures, wearing acrylic nails, or biting your nails. However, nail psoriasis and fungal infections can also lead to skin cell accumulation under your fingernails.
Nail psoriasis is an inflammatory skin condition where skin cells grow too quickly, causing scaling and buildup. It often affects people with general psoriasis and tends to impact fingernails more frequently than toenails. Symptoms include nail pitting, thickening, or structural changes, such as nail yellowing and chalky buildup around the nail. Nail psoriasis can lead to nail separation from the nail bed, known as onycholysis.
Fungal nail infections, on the other hand, are contagious and caused by fungi that flourish in warm, moist environments. They can affect the nail plate, nail bed, and root of the nail, leading to nail thickening and cracking. In some cases, fungal infections can cause nail darkening and a foul odour.
While nail psoriasis and fungal infections share similar symptoms, they have distinct causes, risk factors, and treatments. It is important to identify the correct condition to ensure proper management.
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Paronychia is a bacterial nail infection that can cause nail discolouration
Dead skin growing under the fingernail is a condition known as hyponychium overgrowth. It is the thickening of the skin just under the free edge of the nail, located near the fingertip. This skin acts as a barrier to prevent germs and debris from getting under the nails. However, it can sometimes become overgrown, leading to discomfort and a protruding appearance.
One of the common causes of hyponychium overgrowth is Paronychia, a bacterial nail infection. Paronychia develops when bacteria enter broken skin near the cuticle and nail fold, causing an infection. The cuticle is the skin at the base of the nail, and the nail fold is where the skin and nail meet. Bacteria can enter through small cuts or cracks in the nails caused by nail-biting, manicures, or pedicures. Certain medications, skin conditions, and exposure to irritants like detergents and chemicals can also increase the risk of developing paronychia.
Paronychia usually presents with symptoms such as pain, swelling, and tenderness around the nail. The skin may appear red and feel warm to the touch. In some cases, pus-filled blisters or abscesses may form, requiring drainage. If left untreated, paronychia can lead to nail abnormalities, such as ridges, discolouration (yellow or green), dryness, and brittleness. The nail may even detach from the nail bed and fall off.
To treat paronychia, healthcare providers may prescribe oral antibiotics to kill the infection and reduce swelling. In severe cases, they may need to drain the abscess and remove part of the nail. Soaking the infected nail in warm water several times a day can also help manage the infection and promote healing.
It is important to note that chronic paronychia can develop if the infection lasts for a long time or recurs after treatment. This chronic condition can cause nail discolouration and shape abnormalities. In rare cases, severe and untreated paronychia can spread beyond the nail area and affect the underlying bone, requiring more aggressive treatment.
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Onycholysis is when the nail separates from its nail bed, often due to injury
Onycholysis is a common nail disorder in which the nail plate separates from the nail bed. It is usually painless but may be painful if acute or inflammatory. It is often the result of injury or trauma to the nail bed, such as from a hammer, door, or saw, or from artificial tips applied to the nail. In addition, fungal infections, yeast growth, and psoriasis can also cause onycholysis. It is important to determine the underlying cause of onycholysis, as it can indicate a more serious issue such as a yeast infection or thyroid disease.
Onycholysis can be cosmetically unacceptable, especially for those who work with their hands, as the affected nail may change colour to yellow, greenish, purple, white, or gray. It can also lead to secondary infections, most commonly with Candida albicans and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, resulting in discolouration of the nail.
The aim of treatment is for the new nail growth to remain attached to the underlying nail bed. To achieve this, it is recommended to keep the nails short by frequent trimming, but aggressive clipping is not advised. Activities that traumatise the nail and nail bed should be minimised, and potential irritants such as nail enamel, enamel remover, solvents, and detergents should be avoided. Light cotton gloves can be worn under vinyl gloves for wet work, and antimicrobial soaks, such as dilute vinegar, can be used to minimise the risk of secondary infection.
The treatment of onycholysis depends on the underlying cause. For example, if onycholysis occurs as a symptom of psoriasis, doctors may prescribe topical vitamin D or corticosteroids. A blood test may also reveal a thyroid condition or vitamin deficiency as the underlying cause, in which case medication or an oral supplement may be prescribed.
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Dry, cracked skin around nails can be caused by cold weather and nail biting
Cold Weather
Cold weather can cause changes in how our fingertips respond to the cold, especially if you have gel nails. The cold air, frequent transitions from cold outdoors to warm, dry indoor air, and even extra-long hot showers can be some reasons for nail damage. The cold weather creates an environment that wicks away moisture, leaving your nails and skin dehydrated. Central heating can also be very drying.
To protect your nails and skin from damage in cold weather, you can:
- Moisturize your cuticles with lotion and cuticle oil, allowing extra moisture to directly soak into the nail bed as it grows.
- Drink plenty of water to keep your nails hydrated from the inside out.
- Wear gloves to keep your hands protected from the cold and to keep the vital oils in your skin and nails.
Nail Biting
Nail biting can make the skin around your nails feel sore and can damage the tissue that makes nails grow, resulting in abnormal-looking nails. It can also leave you vulnerable to infection as you pass harmful bacteria and viruses from your mouth to your fingers and from your nails to your face and mouth.
To stop biting your nails, you can:
- Keep your nails trimmed short, so there is less to bite.
- Apply bitter-tasting nail polish to your nails to discourage nail biting.
- Paint or cover your nails, so you are less likely to bite them.
- Identify your triggers and develop a plan to stop biting your nails.
- Replace the nail-biting habit with a good habit, such as playing with a stress ball or fidget toy.
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Frequently asked questions
Dead skin can grow under your fingernail due to several reasons. The hyponychium, the skin just under the free edge of your nail, can sometimes overgrow and thicken, making nail trimming painful. This can be caused by nail psoriasis, fungal infections, or common habits such as nail-biting, gel manicures, or wearing acrylic nails.
To get rid of dead skin under your nails, you can try the following:
- Soak your nails in warm water and gently scrub with soap.
- Apply cuticle oil or lotion to your nails and cuticles.
- Use a nail brush or a wooden cuticle pusher to gently remove the dead skin.
- Apply diluted tea tree oil to treat any fungal infections.
- Use products like Cutique by Orly, which contains an enzyme that breaks down dead skin.
If the skin under your nails is bleeding, discoloured, or swollen, it is recommended to visit a dermatologist. Additionally, if you suspect that an underlying medical condition or medication is causing nail lifting or other nail symptoms, consult a medical professional for diagnosis and treatment.
