Can we cut the nail cuticles? (plus proper care tips) & bull; hello healthy

Ideally, you should cut your nails every two weeks. Cutting nails is the wisest way to maintain cleanliness and health. However, is it okay to cut nail cuticles?

Can I cut my nail cuticles?

The cuticle of the nail is a layer of dead white skin that surrounds the sides of the nail. When doing nail care at a beauty salon, therapists often cut their clients' cuticles to produce long, slim nails. Usually, the cuticles are removed by first soaking the nails in a basin of warm water to loosen them and then cutting them off.

Even so, health experts and skin specialists agree that actually cuticles do not need to be removed. Cutting the nail cuticles will actually increase the risk of complications from health problems, such as bacterial infections that can lead to ferns and nail fungus infections. Why is that?

When the cuticles are removed, the nails are prone to infection because the tiny skin is there to protect your nails from germs or bacteria that can get into the nails. Each nail begins to grow from a tiny pocket under the skin, called the nail matrix. Well, cuticle serves to protect the nail matrix from infection.

In addition to the risk of nail infection, cutting cuticles can inhibit nail growth, causing wrinkles, spots, or white lines on the nails.

Tips for caring for nail cuticles

Although it's best to leave it alone, dry and peeling nail cuticles can be painful and certainly unsightly. For that you should also include a cuticle care regime in your nail cutting routine. Follow the method below:

1. Soak nails in warm water

Get a bowl filled with lukewarm water and soak your fingertips for a few moments. This will help soften cuticles and sagging skin. If you prefer, you can add a teaspoon of lemon juice or fresh vinegar to the water. This will help exfoliate the dead skin.

2. Push the cuticles into the wear orange stick

If the cuticle grows too thick, don't cut it but push it inwards using a tool called orange stick. Once the cuticles are softened, it should be easier to push them back.

Orange stickare small wooden or metal sticks used to push back cuticles and clean under the nails. This tool can be purchased cheaply at drugstores or online.

Use the flat end of the stick to push back the cuticles. Push gently and gently. If you press too hard, you may end up hurting yourself and making your cuticles worse!

Push the cuticles back until you can see a white crescent (called a lunula) at the bottom of each nail. Don't do this more than once or twice a month, because the cuticles are quite sensitive.

Wash and sterilizeorange stick metal after each use, while wooden sticks must be thrown away immediately.

3. Apply a nail and cuticle moisturizer

The cuticle is a layer of skin that still needs moisture. Dry cuticles can crack and peel.

Moisturizing your cuticles regularly is one of the most important steps to stop your cuticles from peeling. You must moisturize at least twice a day: in the morning and at night before going to bed.

Usually, a dermatologist will recommend using a moisturizer in the form of an ointment or lotion cream for best results. During the day you can use a hand lotion that is quick to sink in and doesn't leave your hands feeling greasy. At night, you should use a thick ointment for a more intense hydrating effect.

4. Avoid activities or substances that can dry out the cuticles

Your hands, nails, and cuticles can dry out as a result of washing dishes too often or being exposed to nail polish remover containing acetone. Therefore, it's best to wear gloves before washing dishes and use acetone-free nail polish remover.

5. Keep hands away from mouth

The mouth is a dirty part of the body and contains saliva which can dry out the skin. Therefore, avoid the habit of biting nails or cuticles because it can trigger an infection of the nails and its surroundings.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.