DECracked skin around the fingernails: the causes.
Beautiful nails are not only aesthetically pleasing, but also indicate a healthy and functional protective barrier. However, when skin and nail care suffers, small skin cracks or flaky, cracked areas often become visible.
An overview of the causes of cracked skin around the fingernails and simple tips that can promote skin health: Cracked skin around the fingernails: The causes.
Cracked skin around the fingernails: What are the causes?
Cracked cuticles are a nightmare for many; they don’t look good and can also become painful. Tiny wounds around the nail offer optimal entry conditions for pathogens. The result is symptoms such as redness, swelling, or even pain with pus. How this can happen varies greatly and also depends on individual habits. For example:
Improper care
Pushing the cuticles back too far during nail care or even removing them opens the natural protective barrier for pathogens. This is because the cuticle specifically protects the sensitive transition areas from nail to skin. But even slight tearing or cutting with a file or scissors can cause tiny wounds in the area. The consequence is accordingly unpleasant.
Biting cuticles
This also applies, of course, to people with a tendency to bite their nails, medically known as onychophagia. In such cases, the cuticles and surrounding areas of the nail are often not spared. The skin swells due to moisture and is torn by biting. Often, the fingers of affected individuals are red and inflamed, as pathogens can also be transmitted via saliva and teeth.
Regular contact with chemical products
Regular contact with cleaning agents or disinfectants stresses the skin and nails. Such products, or even acetone-based nail polish remover, attack the natural protective barrier, and accompanying moisture supports the process by softening the skin. The combination of moisture and chemicals is a real challenge for skin and nails. Flaking, redness, burning, and tears are possible consequences.
Lack of certain nutrients
A vitamin-deficient diet also affects skin and nail health. Vitamins A or E, as well as biotin and B vitamins, are important for a healthy appearance. If these vitamins and moisture are lacking, the skin dries out and its regenerative capacity decreases.
Psoriasis
In addition to simple reasons, diseases can also be the cause of cracked and dry cuticles or nails. A condition known as psoriasis can also affect nails, which is precisely indicated by the corresponding term nail psoriasis.
People suffering from psoriasis are particularly affected, but diabetics are also at risk of developing nail psoriasis. Inflammation in the nail areas should always be clarified with a doctor to avoid a more severe course, up to sepsis.
Cracked cuticles, what can be done.
Whether a minor or more serious cuticle problem, nail health and the health of cracked skin around the fingernails can be supported with simple tips:
- If nails and skin are dry, lipid-replenishing products can help compensate for this deficit. In the evening, for example, massage intensively nourishing oils into the affected areas and cover with a glove overnight. This also applies to urea-containing products or antibacterial creams that protect against further inflammation on the finger.
- Biting nails or cuticles is often a long-standing habit and not easy to stop. However, nervousness or stress are often the cause. Relaxation exercises can help here. Alternatively, products with bitter substances can be applied to the areas. The unpleasant taste ideally helps to leave fingers and nails alone.
- For simple protection of nails during gardening or housework, or when working with chemicals, which are often the cause of cracked skin, appropriate protective gloves can help. This way, contact and dry, damaged skin around the fingernails can be easily avoided.
- A vitamin-deficient diet can be easily supplemented with vitamin-rich ingredients. The change does not happen overnight, so this should be done long-term, especially to prevent a recurrence of the problems. Various fish, nut, or whole grain products, as well as fruits and vegetables, are an optimal addition to the ingredient list and promote healthy and supple nails.
- If initial redness or pain occurs and indicates inflammation, ilon Classic can also help. If the affected area is disinfected and then the ointment is applied, the herbal ingredients can counteract bacterial inflammation with their antibacterial and circulation-promoting effects.
Cracked skin around the fingernails: The causes. Did you like the article? More topics around nail or skin problems and the right treatment can be found in our Skin Journal or on ilon.de
Image source: Cesra Arzneimittel
