Inflamed cuticle: understand its causes and how to avoid it

Although seemingly harmless, the inflamed cuticle can trigger serious illness due to the possibility of causing a bacterial infection. Next, check out the explanations of a dermatologist on the subject.

Why is the cuticle inflamed?

In the words of dermatologist Gabriela Bernhard, “the name we give to this process (inflamed cuticle) is paronychia, an inflammatory process in the skin around the nails. The cuticle protects our nails, without it, we lose protection and are subject to various types of nail diseases”. She adds that to identify the inflammation in the cuticles, it is necessary to be attentive to the signs, having that “the main symptoms are itching, pain, burning, swelling, heat, redness and even the presence of pus in the region around the nail”.

It is important to know that the inflamed cuticle is indeed dangerous. “Inflammation can end up evolving into a bacterial infection, which can progress to erysipelas or even septicemia if it gets into the bloodstream. It seems simple, but there is the possibility of turning into much more serious diseases. People with diabetes, immunodeficiencies and the elderly are even more prone to these complications and care must be redoubled.”

Regarding the causes that trigger inflammation, Gabriela highlights the most frequent:

• Trauma is one of the main causes, either by injuries or by the act of removing the cuticle with pliers.
• Very frequent contact with water and cleaning products, such as bleach, disinfectants, detergents, among others. This occurs due to the irritation and breakdown of the skin barrier that these agents cause.
• Nail fungus can also cause the surrounding skin to become inflamed.

It is very important to pay attention to the health of your cuticles. So, below, check out some common symptoms that appear with inflammation.

Symptoms of an inflamed cuticle

To identify the presence of inflammation in the cuticles, it is necessary to be attentive to the symptoms presented, since they are responsible for alerting this problem. Thus, the main signs that can be noticed in the region around the nails are:

• Itch;
• Pain;
• burning;
• Swelling;
• Heat;
• Redness;
• Presence of pus.

If you’ve noticed these symptoms occurring around your nails, especially if they’re hurting or the inflammation is intense, seek treatment for your cuticles with a dermatologist. In this way, more serious problems can be avoided.

How to treat the inflamed cuticle?

When identifying inflammation in the cuticles, it is necessary to adopt some care. Among them, use ointments for inflammation and give preference to cold water when cleaning the inflamed region, as this temperature helps in healing and does not result in skin drying like hot water.

It is still recommended to keep the nails filed so that there is no accumulation of dirt and without enamels or bases in order to prevent these items from ending up attacking the inflamed region. With this, the recovery process will be much faster and more efficient.

How to prevent cuticle inflammation

To avoid problems related to the inflamed cuticle, the dermatologist gives some tips:

• Wear gloves to do household chores.
• Do not remove cuticles to prevent fungi, bacteria and chemicals from penetrating the skin.
• Moisturizing the region with creams or oils.
• Use only sterilized materials to do your nails.
• Use antibacterial soaps.

In view of the information presented, remember the dangers that are associated with the inflamed cuticle and try not to neglect the symptoms of this condition. In addition, bet on tips to avoid this problem, emphasizing hygiene and hydration through oils, creams or strengthening base.