How to get rid of Cuticle Pain

Though you may only think about your cuticles when you get a manicure, they're not just hanging out on your hands. Dry, peeling cuticles can be quite painful and look unsightly. Luckily, this is one problem you can solve without too much time or effort - you just need to be prepared to give your hands a little TLC.

How to get rid of Cuticle Pain

Don't Cut Your Cuticles

Dermatologists say there's no good reason to cut the cuticles. Cutting them could open the door to infection or irritation. If you remove the cuticle, that space is wide open, and anything can get in there. Cutting your cuticles can also lead to nail problems, such as ridges, white spots, or white lines. If you get a bacterial infection in that area, it can hamper that fingernail's growth.

Homemade cuticle cream

If you have the time, you can make a really effective cuticle cream at home using some hand cream and oils. In the microwave, warm up a bowl of 1/3 cup hand cream, a few glugs of olive oil (or grape seed oil, if you have it), and 3-4 drops of lavender oil (found in the health food store) to a temperature that is warm but not too hot to touch. Apply a generous amount to each fingernail and gently massage into the nail, cuticle and surrounding skin, spending a minute or two on each. The cream is extremely good for your hands (and feet!) and will keep your cuticles soft. You can keep and re-warm this homemade cream for up to 3 days in your fridge if you store it in a dark glass bottle.

Use petroleum jelly

If you're looking for a cheap yet effective option for moisturizing your cuticles, buy a tub of petroleum jelly and rub a generous amount into the cuticles every night before bed. Petroleum jelly will soften your cuticles and stop them from peeling, but it can be a little greasy for use throughout the day.

Go Orange

If you're hoping to make your nails appear longer, you can push your cuticles back gently with a wooden orange stick instead. Cuticles don't want to be cut. They're supposed to be soft, and cutting can make them hard, more likely to fracture. If you cut it, it has an increased tendency to split off. Some people who cut their cuticles regularly are afraid to stop, because they worry that their cuticles will grow and grow, giving their hands an unsightly look. Experts say this simply won't happen, and switching from cuticle clippers to an orange stick is a smart move.

Keep Your Hands Out of Your Mouth

Your mouth is a dirty area, and saliva is an enzyme that breaks down skin. You can get an infection if you violate the cuticle. So if you have a habit of biting your nails or nibbling on your cuticles, work on kicking those habits for prettier, healthier hands.

Protect your hands from cold weather

Cold weather can be very drying to your hands, causing cuticles to crack and peel. Therefore, it is important to pay special attention to protecting your hands in wintertime, or whenever you are experiencing very c old weather. Always wear gloves when you are outdoors and remember to carry a small hand cream in your purse that you can apply at regular intervals.

Choose your manicurists carefully

Be careful when choosing a nail technician for your manicures and pedicures, as a poorly executed manicure can do more harm than good. Some nail technicians can be very rough with your nails and cuticles, which can result in peeling, cracking and soreness. If your nail technician tries to cut your cuticles, or tries to push your cuticles back too far, politely ask her to stop. They're your nails, so you get to decide what happens to them.