Cuticles itch after gel nails? You can stop it now! Did you know that cuticles are a form of skin and like any other part of the body, they need to be taken care of too. If they’re not then cuticles can become dry or infected which will lead to them becoming inflamed and very uncomfortable.
Cuticles are naturally occurring layers of skin that surround the nail bed. They can become dry, irritated or infected due to intrinsic or extrinsic factors. Individuals who have onychauxis (thickened nails) are predisposed to developing cuticle problems. Chronic paronychia (inflammation of the cuticle) is a common complication of onychauxis.
Gel nails are artificial nails that are applied to the natural nail plate using an adhesive. They are popular among women because they can make the nails look longer and more attractive. However, some people experience discomfort and itchiness around the cuticles after having gel nails applied.
So what’s happening is that when your hands are in water for long periods at a time (like washing dishes) this creates an environment where bacteria thrives and causes the infection. Itching due to gel nails is common because acrylics create an environment where bacteria thrives as well.
Reasons why cuticles itch after gel nails
There can be several reasons why cuticles itch after gel nails.
- One reason may be that the acetone used to remove the gel polish from your nails can dry out your cuticles.
- Another possibility is that the adhesive used to attach the fake nails may cause your skin to become irritated.
- Finally, if your nails are not properly cleaned before you have the gel nails applied, bacteria may build up and cause your cuticles to itch.
How to Prevent Itchy Cuticles
There are a few things that you can do in order to help prevent your cuticles from itching after getting gel nails:
- First, make sure that you’re keeping your hands moisturized. This will help keep the skin around your nails healthy and hydrated.
- Second, try to avoid getting your hands wet for long periods of time. If you know that you’re going to be doing a lot of dishes or washing your hands frequently, make sure to have some hand sanitizer on hand and use it often.
- Third, invest in a good cuticle oil. This will help keep your cuticles hydrated and healthy.
If you’re experiencing any itching after getting gel nails, try using one or all of these tips to help stop it. Cuticles are a very important part of the nail and should be taken care of in order to avoid any problems down the road. So take care of them now and you won’t have to worry about them later!
What you need to scratch the itchy feeling away:
- Cotton swabs – to clean the area around the cuticles
- Olive oil or almond oil – to moisturize the cuticles
- Saline solution (make your own by dissolving 9 parts of salt in 1 part of water) – to clean the nails and remove any adhesive residue
- Nail file – to soften the cuticles
- Cuticle remover – to remove dead skin from around the nails
- Lint-free cotton swabs – to apply the moisturizer
- Nail cleanser or acetone – to clean your nails before applying any moisturizer
- Gel nail kit, including a nail file and an orange stick to push back your cuticles
- Warm water – to make your nails more flexible before pushing back the cuticles
- Cotton pads soaked in nail cleanser or acetone – to remove any residues of gel nails
- Cuticle oil or cream – to keep your cuticles hydrated
To relieve the itchiness, you can try the following:
- Soak your hands in saline solution for a few minutes to help soften the skin and relieve the itchiness.
- Gently massage your cuticles with a cotton swab dipped in saline solution.
- Apply a cuticle cream or moisturizer to your hands and nails to help hydrate the skin.
- Clip your nails short and file them into a rounded shape to help reduce irritation from nail polish and adhesives.
- Use an orange stick to gently push back your cuticles, which can help eliminate the itching sensation.
- Avoid using nail polish or gel nails for a few days to prevent further irritation of the skin around your nails.
- Visit your doctor if you are still experiencing discomfort and itchiness around your cuticles.
Still itchy?
If you’ve tried all of these tips and are still experiencing itching after getting gel nails, then it’s probably a good idea to go see your dermatologist. There may be an underlying cause for the itchiness that needs to be treated.
Underlying causes like:
- Eczema – a skin condition that causes the skin to become inflamed, itchy, and red
- Psoriasis – a chronic autoimmune disease that causes patches of thick, scaly skin
- Allergies – an immune response that is triggered by something that is harmless to most people
- Contact dermatitis – a skin condition that is caused by contact with an irritant
- Lichen planus – this causes small, flat-topped bumps to form on the skin. It can also affect the inside of your mouth and even genital areas.
If you know that your nails are causing you to itch then it’s important to get them treated as soon as possible. If left untreated, the problem can become worse and cause other issues like infections. So stop itching now with these simple tips and take care of your nails the right way!
So is it worth the itch?
Many people swear by the benefits of gel nails and find that they are worth the extra time and money. But for others, the itchiness is simply too much to bear.
Ultimately, only you can decide if gel nails are right for you. If you do decide to give them a try, be sure to take some precautions to help reduce the itching and discomfort that many experience.
And there you have it! Everything you need to know about the itching sensation that sometimes comes along with getting gel nails. Be sure to try out these tips and let us know how they work for you in the comments below!
FAQs
Q: What are cuticles?
A: The “cuticle” is the layer of skin that grows over your nail. It’s there to protect it and help prevent any bacteria from getting in.
Q: What are the symptoms of cuticles itching after gel nails?
A: Cuticles may start to become dry, itchy, red, inflamed, or swollen. You may also notice that they’re peeling away from your nail too.
Q: What are the ingredients in gel nails?
A: Gel nails are made from a combination of acrylic powder, monomer liquid, and polymer powder. They’re then hardened with a UV or LED lamp that is similar to the way you would use a hair dryer on your nails.
Final Thoughts
If you are not sure of the cause of your itchiness, it is best to ask a professional (e.g. dermatologist or salon technician). You can also look out for signs that may indicate your cuticles are becoming infected (e.g. swelling, redness) and seek medical attention if necessary.
Gel nails can be a great way to improve the appearance of your nails, but it is important to be aware of the potential risks and complications. If you are experiencing discomfort or itchiness around your cuticles after getting gel nails applied, talk to your doctor or salon technician about possible causes and remedies.
