Useful tips for taking care of inflamed cuticles

Your nails are healthiest when the cuticles are soft and flexible. But sometimes, your cuticles can peel off, causing inflammation. With an inflamed cuticle, the skin around your nail is red, sensitive and can even become infected… Ouch! Keep on reading for the cure. 

Suffering from inflamed cuticles? Recognise the symptoms!

Cuticles largely determine the appearance of your nails. You might have applied a gorgeous colour, but inflamed cuticles with cuts and hard edges will still steal the show. A cuticle infection can occur when you push your cuticles back during a manicure. Pushing back the cuticles while they are still hard can cause damage and cuts. If bacteria gets into the cut, it can become inflamed making your skin red and sensitive. There may be a thickening of the skin which is most likely infected making bumping or even touching the wound extremely painful.

What can you do about inflamed cuticles?

Mostly, the inflammation will heal on its own but, always make sure you keep the wound clean by rinsing it daily with lukewarm, running water. Dry your hands with a soft cotton cloth and apply a plaster if necessary. Let your wound air dry every day. If the inflammation doesn’t go away within three to five days, contact your doctor. He or she can make an incision in the inflamed cuticle with an anaesthetic to allow the pus to drain. This often provides immediate relief. In other cases, the doctor may also prescribe antibiotics to fight the infection. Do not pick at the wound: your nails are covered in bacteria, which can only make it worse. If you have to touch the inflamed cuticle, disinfect your hands first.

How do you prevent inflamed cuticles?

Your cuticles are very flexible. They stick to your nail plates and grow along with them. However, the stretch of your cuticles is limited. If you haven’t pushed them back, they will most likely tear. Once this happens, you risk getting a cut or wound, increasing the risk of bacteria entering and inflammation. It’s better not to remove the cuticles as they protect the nail root. If you remove the cuticle, you also remove the protection. The result: painful inflamed nail beds. To prevent cracking and inflammation of your cuticles, gently push back your cuticles at least once a week. You can read how to do this in the step-by-step plan below.

How do you take care of your cuticles?

Step 1: Soften cuticles
Start by softening your cuticle. Apply the Herome Cuticle Remover. This serum loosens your cuticles and makes them flexible. Leave it on for two minutes and then gently push back your cuticles.

Step 2: Push back cuticles
Disinfect the Herome Cuticle Pusher with a disinfectant to get rid of all harmful bacteria before use. Use the soft white head of the Cuticle Pusher to gently push back your cuticles. Never push back your cuticles with your own nails as your own nails are covered in bacteria. 

Step 3: Take care of your cuticles
To properly take care of the edges of your cuticles, massage them with a nourishing oil before going to bed. The Cuticle Night Repair has an anti-inflammatory effect and repairs dry and torn cuticles. The next morning your cuticles will be nourished and moisturised.

Step 4: Taking care of toenails
Don’t forget the cuticles on your toenails! These cuticles can also become inflamed and this is extremely painful when you have to wear shoes all day…