Skin under nails

[Lauren2516]

Hi... I got a new client the other day and her nails look like there is alot of skin growing underneath them and she said they can sometimes be a bit red. Why? Can anyone help and what can I do to help them?

 

[Traveller75]

Onycholysis?

 

[Trinity]

This is overgrown hypernychium, it's not uncommon usually happens on people with very long nailbeds and longer natural nails. It can be painful and very susceptible to damage and infections.

Never dig at it under the nail, daily use of a quality cuticle oil under the free edge can help bring it under control but it will always be there.

 

[Trinity]

Onycholysis?

There is also evidence of onycholisis on the ring finger, I don't know but suspect someone has been digging out under the nail

 

[Lauren2516]

This is overgrown hypernychium, it's not uncommon usually happens on people with very long nailbeds and longer natural nails. It can be painful and very susceptible to damage and infections.

Never dig at it under the nail, daily use of a quality cuticle oil under the free edge can help bring it under control but it will always be there.

Thank you for replying. So is this nothing to worry about? X

 

[Trinity]

Thank you for replying. So is this nothing to worry about? X

It can be if not taken care of, it can get infections quite easily if picked, or damaged and it's more vulnerable as it isn't protected by the nail. If no infection or damage then no contraindication, but be careful when filing the free edge.

 

[NancySyd]

It is called extended hyponychium and it is often present on people with long fingernails and is generally not a problem. It can be a problem when it is necessary to cut down the nails and you cut into the hyponychium. And you should not use any pointed or metal implement to clean under the nail. For the client, applying cuticle oil regularly and gently pressing it back (with a finger, never a metal implement or pointed stick) will help. Also, gently pressing it back after a shower/bath/dishwashing is helpful.

In this case, however, I think it may be a problem because of the onycholysis on the neighboring nail that Trinity observed. It might be worth having her keep her nails shorter for a while, applying cuticle oil (tea tree oil seems to work especially well) and, of course, avoiding any trauma to the nail.

 

[Lauren2516]

It is called extended hyponychium and it is often present on people with long fingernails and is generally not a problem. It can be a problem when it is necessary to cut down the nails and you cut into the hyponychium. And you should not use any pointed or metal implement to clean under the nail. For the client, applying cuticle oil regularly and gently pressing it back (with a finger, never a metal implement or pointed stick) will help. Also, gently pressing it back after a shower/bath/dishwashing is helpful.

In this case, however, I think it may be a problem because of the onycholysis on the neighboring nail that Trinity observed. It might be worth having her keep her nails shorter for a while, applying cuticle oil (tea tree oil seems to work especially well) and, of course, avoiding any trauma to the nail.

Thank you. Very helpful. She likes gels on. Should she give it a break for a while? X

 

[NancySyd]

Gel polish or gel nails?

 

[Lauren2516]

Gel polish x

Gel polish or gel nails?

 

[NancySyd]

While a reaction to a chemical like gel polish can be the culprit in onycholysis, it is very often due to physical trauma, often relatively minor. Even repeated tapping of the nail (like on a keyboard!) can cause it. Speaking from my personal experience with onycholysis, I'd recommend a conservative course of (in)action. She can continue with gel polish, but have her keep her nails short, use cuticle/tea tree oil twice daily, and of course, avoid any more physical trauma. Reassess in a month.