Cutting the cuticles using a cuticle nipper on your nails can expose you to a number of potential dangers, the most common of which are bacterial infections. These infections can cause diseases as mild as irritation to as serious as paronychia. The cuticle serves as a vital protective barrier that, when functioning properly, inhibits potentially damaging microorganisms from entering the nail bed. In manicure salons, using a cuticle nipper is a common practice; however, most manicurists take special care not to cut too deeply and to leave sufficient cuticle skin in place after the trimming process. Biting the cuticles is a pretty widespread practice that is typically ascribed to stress. This habit frequently results in open sores around the nail bed, which further increases the likelihood of a dangerous infection.
Some Common Mistakes of Removing Cuticles
Some people who perform manicures on themselves on a regular basis make the typical mistake of completely eliminating their cuticles by cutting them off with miniature sets of nail scissors. This is a mistake that should be avoided. The vast majority of people are satisfied with the appearance of their nails after having their cuticles removed, even though they might not be aware of the possibility of contracting an infection as a result of the procedure. It is not unusual for the skin around the cuticle to be delicate.
Using a Cuticle Nipper
As a consequence of this, it is quite easy to trim the cuticle too deeply, which results in the production of small incisions all around the nail. It is common for bacteria to enter the body through nicks like these, and the danger can be amplified if, after cutting the cuticles in this manner, nail polish or polish remover is applied. An greater risk of infection is posed to cuticles that have been cut and are routinely cleaned by immersing them in liquids such as water or cleaning solutions.
Don’t do Nail Biting
Biting one’s cuticles rather than cutting them also involves a larger risk of infection due to the germs that are present in human saliva. This increases the risk of infection even further. This method almost always results in the formation of sores that are larger in size and are located around the nail, in addition to cuticles that are ragged and uneven. One of the methods that may be used to break the habit of biting the cuticles is to bandage the fingertips with a temporary wrap until the sores heal. This is one of the tactics that can be employed.
Because biting and cutting cuticles typically results in dry and brittle cuticle skin, the majority of nail care professionals recommend applying creams or lotions designed to soften cuticles on a consistent basis. Most people believe that there are healthier and safer alternatives to the practice of trimming cuticles, such as hydrating and softly exfoliating them.
Useful Tips to Avoid Infections
An infection that affects the cuticle can cause a number of different symptoms, but two of the more common ones are inflammation and redness around the nail. Blisters that are full with pus may appear in circumstances where the condition is more severe. These blisters almost always point to a condition called paronychia, which is an infection that can be brought on by bacteria or, in extremely unusual instances, by certain forms of fungus.
Seeking medical attention and being prescribed antibiotics is the most common and effective treatment for this ailment, which accounts for the majority of cases. The majority of patients are also given the instruction to soak their afflicted fingers in clean, warm water at least a couple times on a daily basis. It is possible that surgical therapy will be required for the most severe cases of paronychia. It may be necessary to puncture the blisters or even cut away a part of the affected fingernail in order to accomplish this.