We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Hygiene

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Are Risks of Cutting Cuticles?

By Angela Farrer
Updated: May 21, 2024
Views: 11,176
Share

Risks of cutting cuticles generally include bacterial infections that can range from minor irritations to more serious conditions, such as paronychia. Cuticle skin acts as an important protective barrier that normally keeps harmful bacteria away from the nail bed. Trimming cuticles is a frequent practice in nail salons, though most manicurists take care not to cut too deeply and to leave enough cuticle skin in place. Biting cuticles is a fairly common habit usually attributed to stress, and it can often lead to open sores around the nail bed that further heighten the risk of a harmful infection.

Some people who regularly perform manicures on themselves make the mistake of cutting cuticles completely away with small pairs of nail scissors. Most prefer the cleaner look of removed cuticles and sometimes may not be aware of the infection possibilities. Cuticle skin can often be delicate, and it can be fairly easy to trim too deeply and create small cuts surrounding the nail. These nicks are often easy access points for bacteria, and the risk can be even higher if nail polish or polish remover is applied after cutting cuticles in this manner. Infections can also result from cut cuticles that are frequently immersed in water or cleaning solutions.

Biting, rather than cutting, cuticles also carries high chances of infection due to the bacteria in human saliva. This habit frequently leads to larger sores around the nail as well as ragged, uneven cuticles. Tactics for stopping cuticle-biting can include temporarily wrapping the fingertips in bandages until the sores heal. Biting and cutting cuticles frequently results in dry, brittle cuticle skin as well, so most nail care professionals recommend regular application of creams or lotions designed to soften cuticles. Moisturizing and gently exfoliating cuticles are usually considered healthier and safer alternatives to trimming them.

Signs of a cuticle-related infection generally include redness and swelling around the nail. Blisters filled with pus may appear in more serious cases and often indicate paronychia, an infection that can result from bacteria or sometimes from certain types of fungus. Treatment for this problem requires medical attention and an antibiotic prescription in most cases. Most sufferers are also required to soak their infected fingers in clean warm water at least a few times per day. The most severe cases of paronychia can require surgical treatment, such as lancing of the blisters or even excision of part of the affected fingernail.

Share
BeautyAnswered is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.beautyanswered.com/what-are-risks-of-cutting-cuticles.htm
Copy this link
BeautyAnswered, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

BeautyAnswered, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.