The Comprehensive Guide to Healing Damaged Cuticles
Healthy and well-maintained cuticles not only look appealing but also protect your nail bed from harmful germs and infections. However, when cuticles become damaged or painful, it can affect your overall hand and nail health. This guide provides detailed steps on how to heal and maintain healthy cuticles.
Treating Any Injuries (Method 1 of 3)
Understanding and addressing any injuries is the first step in the healing process. Begin by carefully examining the skin around your nail to identify any signs of picking, biting, or other injuries. Assess the texture and color of the skin, looking for dryness, brittleness, or a yellowish tint, which may indicate an infection or fungus. Additionally, check for any extra bumps or ridges, as these can be signs of trauma or even underlying health issues like kidney disease.
Apply cuticle oil and moisturizer regularly to hydrate the skin and nail area. If you notice a half-moon shape not being present, it may indicate an underlying health issue such as hyperthyroidism. In such cases, consult a doctor. For signs of fungus, treat with an anti-fungal cream; if it doesn’t help, seek further medical advice.
Treating any cuts or open sores is also crucial. Clean the wound with a prepackaged alcohol wipe and apply a small amount of Neosporin, then cover with a bandage. Replace the bandage every few hours to ensure the cut can breathe. For more serious injuries, seek medical assistance promptly to prevent nerve damage or other complications.
Building Stronger Cuticles (Method 2 of 3)
Proper cuticle care involves gently pushing back the cuticles with a nail pusher instead of snipping or trimming them. This helps to maintain the natural barrier against germs. Clip any hangnails or excess skin with sanitized scissors but avoid nicking the healthy skin.
Apply a cuticle cream or serum immediately after pushing back the cuticles. For severely damaged cuticles, apply a healing cream multiple times a day, especially after washing hands. Specialty products like rose hip oil, rich in vitamin A, can promote healing. Go without nail polish for a few weeks to allow your cuticles to heal; consult your manicurist for sensitive nail and cuticle-friendly polish if you decide to wear it again.
To further moisturize, wear cotton gloves or socks soaked in moisturizing solutions like aloe vera, olive oil, and raw honey, or more creative options like orange juice or coconut oil. Use paraffin wax baths, available at most pharmacies, to soften and smooth your nails and cuticles.
Protecting Your Cuticles (Method 3 of 3)
To prevent future damage, limit exposure to harmful substances by wearing gloves when working with chemicals. Avoid prolonged sun exposure without protection. Opt for sensitive soap and protect your nails with a coat of moisturizer.
Stop biting or picking your nails by applying a bitter substance like lemon oil, which can be purchased as a solution or mixed with nail polish. Allow your nails to heal before resuming regular polish application; use a gentle 10-free remover.
Increase blood flow to your hands and fingers with a hand massage, either self-administered with a hot towel or professionally. Regular manicures from a trained technician can encourage healthy growth and repair damage; request that they push back the cuticles gently without cutting.
Healing takes time, so be patient and gentle with your hands. It typically takes 3-6 months for damaged cuticles to fully heal. Avoid rushing into new nail applications until your cuticles are fully healed to prevent further damage.