Cuticle is a word that is almost always incorrectly used. The living skin at the base of the nail plate is not cuticle. It is eponychium. Here is a diagram to help describe my point.

Cuticle is the dead skin on the nail plate, and any skin that is alive is not the cuticle but eponychium. It is very important that you, and your manicurist understand the importance (and the difference!) of the cuticle and eponychium.

The cuticle comes from underneath the eponychium, (as shown in the diagram) and is one of the stickiest tissues on the entire body. It bonds to the new growth of nail creating a seal, and as the nail plate continues to grow, it takes a thin layer of skin (cuticle) from under the eponychium. This dead skin the eponychium constantly sheds continues to grow with the nail plate and is the true cuticle. This skin creates a barrier that prevents infections organisms from invading the nail matrix, which is the part of your nail anatomy that creates the cells of your nail plate.

Now that you know the difference, why is this important?

The cuticle (dead skin) can prevent proper adhesion of polish and enhancements, so it is removed before any service. Improper removal, or removal with un-sanitized tools can cause a plethora of problems for your nails. Another common mistake is nipping away the eponychium in order to create a healthier looking nail. This just causes the eponychium to become harder and more unmanagable each time it grows back, and it becomes more and more unruly and creates hangnails and all sorts of issues. Always make sure your technician sanitizes her tools, and is not removing any of your living eponychium.

“During a properly performed manicure or pedicure, the eponychium is softened, moisturized and then very gently pushed back to expose the dead cuticle tissue on the nail plate for easier removal.” – Doug Schoon

If you have dry eponychium, or constantly get hang nails, I would highly recommend daily use of cuticle oil. Dadi Oil form Famous Names is my all time favorite. It smells great, and penetrates the nail bed and eponychium quickly leaving a non-greasy feel.  If you would like some, I can get it for you, just email me. Another favorite is O.P.I.’s Avoplex Cuticle Oil to go. I would recommend using either of these several times a day, and if you’re consistent, I guarantee you will see a difference.

According to MedicinePlus, Paronychia is fairly common. This infection can happen for a number of reasons, but the most common is from biting or picking the skin around the cuticle, or sides of the nail, especially with hang nails. The picture to the left was taken by a colleague of mine Athena Elliot. She is a medical nail technician, and this was one of her clients.  

• Bacterial paronychia is caused by bacteria.
• Candidal paronychia is caused by a specific type of yeast.
• Fungal paronychia is caused by a fungus.

As Athena said, the bacteria in the saliva causes this when you bite or chew your cuticles! 

"Bacteria causes the condition to occur suddenly. If all or part of the infection is due to a fungus, it tends to occur more slowly. Complications are rare, but may include:

• Abscess
• Permanent changes in the shape of the nail
• Spread of infection to tendons, bones, or bloodstream " - MedicinePlus 

"Update: Client went back to the Dr because her finger continued to swell. The pressure was unbearable. She received 3 shots to the base of the thumb before they made 2 incisions. She is no longer in pain and on her way to recovery. Tough lesson to learn from biting of a little bit of skin around your cuticle." - Athena

Think twice the next time your fingers end up in your mouth! This could happen to you.

To prevent dry cuticles, and annoying hang nails, use a good quality cuticle oil DAILY. I recommend Famous Names Dadi Oil. If you want some, shoot me an email, and I can get it sent out for you. Another really good thing for your hands is getting manicures regularly (weekly, bi-weekly, or even monthly.) This will help your hands and cuticles stay hydrated, and your nails in tip top shape. Call or text me for your appointment today! You can also book online. Click here for my contact info.