Why Your Cuticles Might Be Growing In So Fast
When it comes to taking care of your nails and hands, there is nothing more satisfying than leaving the nail salon after getting a fresh manicure. Your nails may have a new coat of dazzling polish on them, and it can be enjoyable to gaze down at your perfectly manicured, clean-looking hands.
Before the polish comes out at the salon, the manicurist works hard to clean up your cuticles. Some people prefer having their cuticles pushed back while others request a cuticle cut. However, cutting your cuticles can lead to them becoming hard or even split. It can also cause an infection, ridges, and white lines on the nails.
Whether you push them back or cut them, you may notice they grow back incredibly fast. A few days after you leave the salon, you may see them inching their way back up your nail bed. This might happen sooner than you expect if you don't care for them regularly.
Lifestyle causes of overgrown cuticles
One cause for cuticles overgrowing is simply not tending to them regularly. "When left unattended, cuticles can grow so that they cover a portion of the proximal nail," dermatologist Dr. Brendan Camp told Byrdie. "While you should not cut or pick the cuticle, some choose to gently press it back to address overgrowth."
One tip is to soak your nails in warm water before pushing cuticles back so they are more pliable. You can also use cuticle oil to achieve the same result. As an added benefit, many cuticle oils are also designed to nourish the nail bed, which fosters healthy nails.
Another reason why your cuticles may be growing faster than usual is if you are taking hair and nail vitamins — even shakes or supplements that contain certain vitamins can encourage growth. Supplements that are made with added B vitamins — particularly biotin — as well as iron, magnesium, and zinc can speed up nail and cuticle growth.
Medical causes of cuticle overgrowth
Cuticles can grow at a faster rate than normal when there are underlying skin conditions. One condition is psoriasis, which causes skin cells to multiply at faster speeds than usual. In addition to skin cells growing back very quickly, many of them die and build up in the cuticle area over time.
Eczema is another medical skin issue that can cause cuticles to overgrow. It's also a very itchy condition that leaves people incessantly scratching and tugging at irritated skin, which can cause overgrown cuticles. Additionally, it has the potential to introduce bacteria to the afflicted area, which can result in an infection.
Whether you have medical conditions that affect your skin or not, it's always a good idea to keep your skin moisturized and well-nourished. Make sure that your cuticles are regularly pushed back and kept neat, and use a moisturizing hand lotion to keep your skin in tip-top shape.