Cuticles are annoying flaps of skin that develop when a small piece of epidermis comes off a cuticle or nail. They are small in size, but can be quite painful when they get caught in clothing or hair. In addition to this, there is also the possibility of them becoming infected, so it is important to take care of them and remove them properly, so as to avoid deep cuts, scarring, swelling and infections.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Repair the skin
Step 1. Soak your fingers in warm water for 5-10 minutes
It will help soften the skin and nails, so it will be easier to cut the cuticles.
You can also pour a few drops of vitamin E or olive oil to make this treatment more moisturizing
Step 2. Cut the cuticles
Use clean, sharp cuticle scissors. Try to cut as close to the base of the skin as possible. That way, they will be less likely to get caught up in clothes and other things.
- Do not tear the skin. This would cause an uneven break in the skin, further irritating the area and potentially causing it to bleed.
- Do not cut more skin or nails than necessary. This can cause a deep cut that could bleed and become infected.
Step 3. Apply antibacterial ointment
It will help you eliminate and keep bacteria away from the skin area - it will also promote healing. You only need a small amount to cover the entire area.
If the cuticle was deep, you can put a patch on the area to prevent it from becoming infected
Step 4. Moisturize the skin area
If it was small and shallow, rub some vitamin E oil on the affected area; the skin will absorb it very quickly. This will help the healing process, and will also prevent the cuticles from becoming dry and brittle, two factors that can cause the problem to appear.
- Apply the oil 2-3 times a day, especially after washing your hands.
- You can use other moisturizing products, such as petroleum jelly, honey, olive or coconut oil, to help fight skin. They will also keep your hands soft and hydrated.
Part 2 of 2: Preventing Pellicine
Step 1. Keep the nail bed hydrated
Dryness is the main cause of cuticles, so it's very important to keep your hands hydrated by applying deeply nourishing lotions and / or oils.
When your hands need to come into contact with detergent or water, try to wear rubber gloves. This extra precaution will protect them from dryness
Step 2. Remove the cuticles when they are short
Instead of teasing or tearing them, cut them as soon as possible with a good pair of nail scissors or a cuticle clipper. This way, they won't get caught in your clothes and won't stretch, thus decreasing the risk of getting hurt.
If you notice that the skin around the cuticle has become red, swollen, or filled with pus, you probably have an infection. If you have bacterial paronychia (infection of the skin surrounding the nails), you can start treating it at home by soaking the affected finger in warm water 2-3 times a day. If after a few days you do not notice any improvement, or the infection has worsened, go to your doctor - you may need prescription antibiotics
Step 3. Avoid biting or picking your nails
This bad habit damages the nails and the surrounding skin: this increases the risk of having cuticles.
Also, by bringing your fingers to the mouth area, the chances of getting the area around the skin are higher due to bacteria in the oral cavity
Step 4. Trim your nails regularly with the nail clipper
Do not make them too long, this will prevent the development of cuticles. Also, use an orange wood stick to gently push the cuticles back and prevent them from growing on the nail.
- An orange wood stick is a thin manicure tool. It has an angled edge which is used to push cuticles back; the other end is pointed and is used to clean the underneath of the nails.
- Try to trim your nails after softening them with warm water. This will greatly facilitate the procedure.
- A regular manicure can help maintain healthy nails by keeping growth in check.
Step 5. Avoid acetone-based nail polish removers
It is a very effective substance for removing nail polish, but it also dries hands and nails. Since cuticles form when skin and nails are dry, do not use products that dry out your hands.
