Is it wise to push back your cuticles daily?

For some people it is a weekly ritual: clipping or filing the nails and pushing back the cuticles, often with a so-called cuticle pusher. The nails look well-groomed afterwards and by pushing back the cuticles they appear even larger. A harmless habit you would think. The internet also states that it makes your nails grow faster and ‘get more air’. Many people also learned in the past that the crescent moons (lunula) should be visible. But pushing back your cuticles is bad for the nails and can cause real damage in the long term.

Inflamed cuticles due to bacteria and fungi

Your nails must be well protected, but you cannot do this by pushing back the cuticles, explains dermatologist Rick Waalboer-Spuij in the Volkskrant. According to him, you destroy the cuticles when they are pushed back. This allows bacteria or fungi to find a way in, which causes the cuticles to become inflamed. This can be treated by the doctor, often antibiotics are prescribed. Leon Plusjé of Erasmus MC Rotterdam agrees with the Consumers’ Association. According to him, the cuticle can even become chronically inflamed, this is called paronychia. The part of the nail matrix that creates a smooth nail is then inflamed, which causes the nail to become rough, irregular and brittle.

Sheets along the nail edge

Paronchya isn’t the only risk of pushing back your cuticles. You probably know the skins along your nails. These are also called hangnails, hangnails, compulsion nails, snags or nicks. It is a piece of skin that has been torn, usually at the edge of the cuticle. Such a torn piece then dries further and stands upright. Annoying and sometimes painful. Hangnails are also caused by pushing back the cuticles. The temptation to pull on it is often great, but that is not a good idea. Sometimes it can be the case that when you pull off such a sheet you accidentally pull a whole piece of skin with it, resulting in a bloody and painful nail edge. It is recommended to leave those sheets in place, no matter how great the temptation. Lubricate the cuticles and the sides of the nails occasionally with Vaseline, this is good for the nails and cuticles and prevents hangnails.

Tips for healthy nails

• Do not bite, pick or tear off loose edges.
• Cut once a week.
• Touch up with a nail file.
• Trim brittle or thick nails after a hot bath or shower.
• Don’t cut too short, even on the toenails.