How to treat swollen and peeling cuticles

If the skin around your nails is red, irritated, swollen and peeling, you’re dealing with uncomfortable and unsightly cuticle problems. This common nail condition not only causes pain but can lead to infections and hangnails if the damaged cuticles rip further.

Thankfully there are many effective home remedies and treatments to soothe irritation and repair peeled cuticles. In this article, we’ll look at what causes cuticles to swell and peel, and provide tips to restore their health and appearance.

What Causes Swollen, Peeling Cuticles?

Before we dive into solutions, let’s first understand what factors cause cuticles to become inflamed and peel in the first place. Here are some of the most common culprits:

• Harsh soaps - Hand soaps that contain irritating surfactants like sulfates can strip natural oils and moisture from cuticles.

• Overwashing hands - Frequently washing hands excessively dries out delicate cuticle skin.

• Artificial nails - The glues and chemicals used in acrylic or gel polish treatments can lead to allergic reactions.

• Nail biting/picking - Chronic manipulation of the cuticles with teeth or fingers damages the skin.

• Hangnails - Pulling at hangnails tears the cuticle skin, leading to peeling and swelling.

• Cuticle cutting - Nippers can pinch and injure the thin cuticle skin, causing inflammation.

• Chronic dryness - Conditions like eczema, dry weather and aging decrease natural moisture levels.

• Contact irritants - Exposure to chemicals, detergents and latex gloves can provoke skin reactions.

With proper care and treatment, swollen and peeling cuticles can be healed. Here are the most effective remedies and relief strategies.

Soak Nails in Warm Water

One of the simplest yet effective ways to treat irritated, peeling cuticles is to soak your nails in warm water. This helps soften and rehydrate dry, cracked cuticle skin so it heals and reseals.

Fill a small bowl with warm water and submerge your nails for 10-15 minutes. You can add a teaspoon of olive oil, coconut oil or Epsom salt to the water to further moisturize and reduce swelling. Repeat the soaking sessions several times a day until cuticles improve.

Apply a Dense Hand Cream

Intensely hydrating creams containing emollients like shea butter, beeswax and lanolin help repair and protect damaged cuticles. The thick texture adheres well to seal moisture into peeling skin where it’s able to penetrate deeply and promote healing.

Look for hand creams specially formulated for very dry, cracked skin. Massage the cream gently into cuticles and nails, resisting any temptation to pick. Apply after each hand washing and as needed throughout the day to relieve swelling.

Use Cuticle Oil

Oils designed specifically for the nail area provide concentrated moisture right where you need it most. They typically contain vitamin E along with antimicrobial and antifungal ingredients to support cuticle health.

Apply a drop of cuticle oil around each nail several times per day. Gently push back the cuticles after applying the oil. Look for organic cold-pressed oils like olive, coconut, avocado or almond.

Try a Cuticle Cream

For a protective layer of hydration on damaged cuticles, rely on cuticle creams. These are formulated using waxes, butters and oils to create an occlusive barrier that locks in moisture. This alleviates dryness and allows the cuticles to heal.

Cuticle creams are often petroleum-based for deeper penetration. Apply a small dab around each nail and cuticle up to several times daily until swelling and peeling resolve. Avoid picking at peeling skin so the cream can work.

Exfoliate Gently

To help peel away outer layers of dead, damaged cuticle skin and promote new cell regeneration, perform gentle exfoliation. This retextures the skin surface to reduce inflammation and allow products to absorb better.

Soak nails first to soften cuticles, then use a small soft-bristled brush or washcloth with circular motions to lightly buff the cuticle area. Avoid scrubbing roughly. Follow by massaging in cuticle oil or cream. Exfoliate once or twice per week at most.

Try a Honey Treatment

Honey is naturally antimicrobial, hydrating and skin-soothing. For quick relief of irritated cuticles, apply a small dab of raw manuka honey around each nail. Its thick consistency helps keep the honey in place to work its magic.

Leave on for at least 30 minutes before rinsing. The honey removes debris and softens hardened cuticles while reducing swelling through its anti-inflammatory properties. Do this treatment several times a week.

Use Salicylic Acid

This acne-fighting beta hydroxy acid can also help treat cuticle issues by exfoliating built-up dead skin cells and debris clogging pores that lead to swelling. It softens thickened, callused cuticle skin and allows moisture to penetrate.

Look for cuticle products containing salicylic acid like gels, creams or liquid soaks. Starting out with lower concentrations around 5% is ideal if you have sensitive skin. Never apply to open cuts or sores.

Take Oral Biotin Supplements

Biotin helps strengthen nails and improve nail growth. It may also reduce cuticle inflammation and peeling when taken consistently. Most biotin supplements provide around 2,500-5,000 mcg per dose.

Check with your doctor before taking biotin supplements as the high dosages may interfere with certain lab test results. Look for capsules derived from natural sources rather than synthetic biotin. Be patient, as it may take at least 2-3 months to see nail improvement.

Protect Hands from Irritants

Avoiding triggers that provoke cuticle swelling and peeling can help prevent recurrence of damage. Wear gloves when submerging hands in water or using harsh cleaners. Moisturize after hand washing. Avoid excessive manicures or artificial nails.

Switch to gentler hand soaps without sulfates or fragrances. Keep nails short to avoid manipulation of the cuticles. Carefully manage medical conditions like eczema that cause chronic dry skin. Protect hands in cold, dry weather.

When to See a Doctor

While most peeling, irritated cuticles can be treated at home, seek medical help promptly if you experience:

• Persistent swelling, redness and pain

• Pus-filled blisters

• Complete detachment of the cuticle

• Green or black discoloration

• Fever or flu symptoms

These may indicate a severe infection that requires oral antibiotic treatment. Some people may develop inflammatory conditions like paronychia that cause chronic cuticle swelling. See your dermatologist if your cuticles don’t improve with conservative self-care.

Our poor cuticles really take a beating. But with diligent moisturizing, protection and care, most cases of cuticle swelling and peeling can be healed at home. Be patient as it takes time for damaged skin to regenerate and rebuild. Avoid picking and follow these tips from the Best Skin Care Products Online Shopping India healthier, better-looking cuticles around your nails.