They protect the skin and nails from bacteria (preventing infection) and keep the nails strong, so cuticles are very important to look after.
Cuticles are a layer of skin cells found at the base of both fingernails and toenails. As the nails grow, the cuticles are ‘renewed’.
So why do we usually remove cuticles when giving manicures? It is simply for aesthetic reasons, as it gives the nails a cleaner look. Even so, the right thing to do is not to remove them in order to avoid problems.
What can happen if I remove my cuticles?
- Paronychia: this is an infection of the skin around a nail that occurs when bacteria enter an injured area near the nail.
- Fungal infection: also called onychomycosis. Fungi can attack nails through small cuts in the skin around the nail. This can cause the nail to thicken and discolour.
- Cuticle overgrowth: can occur due to improper nail care and lead to other problems, including split cuticles, split nails and an increased risk of bacterial infections.
Therefore, the best alternative for aesthetic and healthy looking cuticles is to push them back using the right tools such as an orange stick.
How to keep my cuticles healthy?
As mentioned above, the most important thing is not to cut them. But beyond that, some recommendations to consider are:
- Do not bite the cuticles or the skin around them to avoid infections.
- Moisturising: use specific creams for cuticles. Vaseline is recommended.
- Avoid aggressive products: for example dish soap, or very strong nail polish removers.
You will know that your cuticles are healthy when they are not cracked, are soft and have a similar colour to your own skin.
