Why Are My Cuticles and Nails Separating?

Close up of cuticle cut. See more personal hygiene pictures.
© iStockphoto.com/Serghei Starus

Remember when your mom used to nag you about biting your nails? It turns out she had a reason. If your cuticles and nails are separating, you've probably got a common infection called paronychia -- and you probably got it from biting your nails. Most people take their cuticles for granted, but they're actually important: They protect the area around your nails by creating a barrier against bacteria and other infectious organisms. If they get damaged, which often happens when you bite your nails, these organisms may be able to find a way into your body and you'll end up with an infection that -- among other things -- causes your cuticles and nails to separate [source: Rockwell].

Of course, biting your nails isn't the only way to end up with paronychia. The infection can also result from manicuring too much or a job that requires you to get your hands wet on a regular basis. Bartenders, housekeepers and dishwashers, for example, are at a high risk of developing the infection [source: Rockwell]. Paronychia can be caused by a bacterial, fungal or yeast infection. The area where your cuticle and nail separate will often be sore, and may even develop a pus-filled blister. If the infection is bacterial, it will probably occur suddenly, whereas a fungal infection will develop over a longer period of time. Whatever the cause, paronychia is easily treatable [source: Lehrer].

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You can usually get relief from bacterial paronychia by soaking your nail in hot water a couple times a day. This should help with both swelling and pain. You may need an antibiotic to clear things up as well; in severe cases, a doctor might have to cut a sore open and drain the fluid from it. Fungal paronychia is slightly different; it requires antifungal medication and can last for months. The best thing you can do is avoid getting an infection in the first place. Don't bite your nails, and if your job requires you to get your hands wet, try wearing rubber gloves. Trim your nails regularly -- but don't trim your cuticles. Remember, they're there for a reason [source: Lehrer].

For lots more information about cuticle and nail separation, check out the links on the next page.

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Cuticle and Nail Separate FAQ

What's the difference between paronychia and onycholysis?
Paronychia is an infection of the skin around your fingernails and toenails, often caused by bacteria from biting your nails. Onycholysis is the term for when the nail separates from the skin underneath. This is often due to a nail injury, trauma (such as repeatedly tapping your fingernails), nail fungus, or psoriasis.
What is nail pitting a sign of?
Nail pitting can be a sign of psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, a connective tissue disorder, incontinentia pigmenti, or an autoimmune disease.
What is the skin around the nail called?
The skin around the base of the nail is called the cuticle, a layer of dead skin that comes up onto the nail plate. It's attached to the eponychium, which is the thickened layer of living skin at the base of the fingernails and toenails.
Why are my cuticles and nails separating?
A separation between a cuticle and nail bed can have numerous causes, but is most often a result of a bacterial or yeast infection called acute paronychia. This often happens when your cuticle gets damaged, as it acts as a barrier against infectious organisms. Paronychia can be brought on by biting your nails, manicuring too much, or a job that regularly requires you to get your hands wet.
How do I cure paronychia?
Paronychia often results in reddens, soreness, and occasionally a pus-filled pocket. To treat it, soak the affected nail in warm water several times a day and let it heal. In severe or chronic cases, a doctor may cut the infection open and drain the fluid and pus from it.

Lots More Information

Related HowStuffWorks Articles

  • Lehrer, Michael MD. "Paronychia." National Institutes of Health. April 17, 2009 (Accessed 10/18/2009)http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001444.htm
  • Rockwell, Pamela G. D.O. "Acute and Chronic Paronychia." American Academy of Family Physicians. March 15, 2001 (Accessed 10/18/2009)http://www.aafp.org/afp/20010315/1113.html

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