Although apparently harmless, the inflamed cuticle can trigger serious illnesses due to the possibility of causing a bacterial infection.
Next, check out the explanations of a dermatologist on the subject.
Why does the cuticle become 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 complements by saying that to identify 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’s important to know that the inflamed cuticle is, yes, dangerous. “The inflammation can end up evolving into a bacterial infection, which can evolve into 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. Patients 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 ones:
- Trauma is one of the main causes, either through injuries or 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 inflammation of the surrounding skin.
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 inflamed cuticle
To identify the presence of inflammation in the cuticles, it is necessary to be aware of 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;
- Ache;
- Burning;
- Swelling;
- Heat;
- Redness;
- Presence of pus.
If you’ve noticed these symptoms around your nails, especially if you’re hurting or the inflammation is severe, seek treatment for your cuticles with a dermatologist. In this way, more serious problems can be avoided.
How to treat inflamed cuticle?
When identifying inflammation in the cuticles, it is necessary to adopt some precautions. 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 dryness 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 effective.
How to prevent inflammation of the cuticles
To avoid problems related to the inflamed cuticle, the dermatologist gives some tips:
- Wear gloves to perform household chores.
- Do not remove the cuticles to prevent fungus, bacteria and chemicals from penetrating the skin.
- Hydration of the region with creams or oils.
- Use only sterilized materials to make the nails.
- Use antibacterial soaps.
In view of the information presented, remember the dangers that are associated with an inflamed cuticle and try not to neglect the symptoms of this condition.
Also, bet on tips to avoid this problem, emphasizing hygiene and hydration through oils, creams or strengthening foundation.
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