Cuticles-To Trim or Not to Trim?

Other Random Cuticle Tips from Your Dermatologist

One piece of advice that I give often is to STOP bothering your cuticles.  Here’s a little more explanation…

Your cuticles serve an important role!  God put them there for a purpose! 

Cuticles are designed to protect your nail matrix.  The nail matrix is like the “root” that synthesizes the nail.  Extensive damage to the cuticle can lead to damage to the nail matrix.  Damaging the nail matrix can lead to a permanent vertical or horizontal groove in the nail plate (the hard part).

Cuticles protect from infection.  When functioning properly, the cuticle prevents infection from entering the proximal nail fold ( the skin at the base of the nail).

Cuticles keep your nails looking pretty!  Despite what manicurists think, nothing is prettier and healthier looking than an intact, smooth cuticle.

Ask any dermatologist and they will tell you…

Don’t trim your cuticles AND Don’t push back your cuticles.  But wait!  Patients are always worried that their cuticles “will grow halfway up their nail” if they aren’t trimmed.  Trust me.  This will not happen.  We shed our skin every 6-8 weeks naturally.  In the same manner, the cuticle will naturally shed the unnecessary portion once it is unneeded to serve its natural function.

What about cuticle creams?  There are generally two different types of cuticle creams.  Some are designed to dissolve the cuticle.  I’m not a fan of these because we need those cuticles for protection.  The second type of cuticle cream is designed to nourish the skin.  I sometimes recommend this type for those with particularly dry skin and cuticles.  The one I recommend most is an old tried and true dermatologist favorite.  Elon Nail Conditioner can be applied to the cuticle and nail plate.

What about infected cuticles or nail folds (medical term -paronychia).  Infection is often accompanied by redness and tenderness.  For early infections, I recommend a home remedy of vinegar soaks.  It’s simple.  One Tablespoon of vinegar in one cup of water, any temperature.  Soak for about 10 minutes twice a day, until redness starts resolving, then once a day until totally resolved.  If you happen to have prescription mupirocin ointment at home, use that twice a day as well.  If no improvement is seen within one week or there is extensive pus, see a doctor. 

Definitions of terms used in this article

Nail Plate – the hard part that originates in the nail matrix. 

Nail Bed -the soft skin under the nail plate.

Nail Matrix – the “root” of the nail, where the nail is synthesized. 

Nail Fold – the skin around the nail.  The nail fold closest to the wrist is the proximal nail fold.

Paronychia – infection of the nail fold. 

Vinegar Soak- one tablespoon of vinegar (any kind) in one cup of water, any temperature.  Soak 10 minutes. 

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