How to Treat Peeling Cuticles

Cuticles are best cared for with warm-water soaks.

Peeling cuticles can be caused by dry, cracked skin from climate exposure, nail-biting or occupational hazards such as dishwashing. The results can be as minor as a hangnail to as serious as an infection. However, there are ways to care for and treat troublesome cuticles, as well as to keep them from peeling again.

Things You'll Need

• Liquid cuticle remover
• Cotton balls or swabs
• Manicure, olive, eucalyptus or jojoba oil
• Warm water
• Small bowl

Instructions

1. Exfoliate your cuticles with the help of a liquid cuticle remover containing sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide and/or alpha hydroxy acids. Follow bottle instructions, using a cotton ball or swab to apply the product. This will help to soften the cuticle area and buff away dry skin.

2. Massage your cuticles with over-the-counter manicure oils or a little warm olive, eucalyptus or jojoba oil after exiting the bath or shower. Gently massage into your cuticles using your fingertips.

3. Soak affected fingertips in warm water 3 to 4 times a day until cuticles repair.

4. See a doctor or dermatologist if symptoms don't improve. Infections such as paronychia (often caused by nail sucking, biting or over-manicuring) can cause the cuticle to separate from the rest of the fingertip, and may require the use of a topical or oral antibiotic or antifungal medication. In the meantime, keep your nails as far away from your mouth, harsh chemicals and soapy dishwater as possible.

Tips & Warnings

• Never use metal instruments to augment, cut or move your cuticles. The skin around the nail is very delicate and can be easily damaged with these kinds of tools.

• Contact your doctor if redness or swelling extends beyond your cuticles or if pus or abscesses form.

References

• YgoY: Cutcile Care
• Medscape Reference; Dermatologic Manifestations of Paronychia; Allison Vidimos, M.D., et al.; June 2010
• WebMD: Paronychia (Nail Infection); October 2005
• BellaSugar; How Does Cuticle Remover Work? The Mystery Revealed!; April 2009
• Go Ask Alice!; Hung up over painful hangnail; February 2003