How to Stop Itchy Cuticles

Co-authored by Lindsay Yoshitomi

Last Updated: May 5, 2024 Fact Checked

Itchy, irritated cuticles are definitely annoying. You're probably wondering what’s causing the problem, how to stop the itching, and what can prevent it from happening in the future. Luckily, we’re here to help! Here are the answers to your most common questions about treating itchy cuticles and making them a thing of the past.

Question 1 of 9:

Why are my cuticles itchy?

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The two most common causes are an infection or allergic reaction. These both come from different sources. Neither is especially serious, but they can be uncomfortable and annoying. Luckily, both cases are pretty easy to treat from home.
- An infection, also called paronychia, happens when bacteria or fungi gets under the skin around your cuticle. This could be acute (short) or chronic, depending on what’s causing the infection.^{[1]
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- An allergic reaction is usually from acrylic nail products like artificial nails. If you have sensitive skin or an allergy, these products will cause itching and swelling in the spots that they touch.^{[2]
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  American Academy of Dermatology
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Question 2 of 9:

How do I make the itching stop?

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The solution is different depending on if you have an infection or allergy. Before trying any treatment, check your symptoms and determine whether an infection or allergic reaction is causing the problem. When you narrow down the cause, then you can try some remedies.
- For an infection, soak your hands or feet in warm water 3-4 times a day until your nails heal. This this soothing and should help cut down the itching, pain, and inflammation.^{[3]
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- For an allergic reaction, remove the fake nails or nail polish that you have on. This stops the allergen from irritating your skin. Then use a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer to fight the irritation.^{[4]
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Question 3 of 9:

How do I tell the difference between an allergy and infection?

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Allergies and infections have different symptoms. While both can cause itching, the other symptoms will distinguish them from each other.
- Infections cause redness, swelling, and pain around the base of the nail. You might also have pus-filled abscesses in infected spots. It’s less common for an infection to happen on multiple nails at once.^{[5]
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- An allergic reaction usually starts shortly after exposure to the irritant, so if you’ve recently had nail work, this is a good possibility. Itching, swelling, and redness are the most common symptoms, and the reaction will probably be around multiple nails at once.^{[6]
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Question 4 of 9:

How do I prevent this from happening again?

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The best way to avoid cuticle problems is with good nail hygiene. Whether you had an allergy or infection, some basic steps can help prevent this from happening again. Follow these nail care steps to keep your cuticles healthy.^{[7]
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- Keep your nails clean and dry them thoroughly to stop bacteria from growing.
- Trim your nails straight across and round the corners gently.
- Moisturize around your cuticles to prevent irritation.^{[8]
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  Lindsay Yoshitomi
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  Expert Interview. 12 July 2019.}
- Avoid biting and picking at your nails and cuticles.
- Wear gloves when handling chemicals or soap.

Question 5 of 9:

Is it normal to have irritated cuticles after a manicure?

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No, irritated cuticles are not normal after a nail treatment. Any type of itching, swelling, or redness means that something's wrong. These are usually signs of a reaction to the chemicals that the tech used.^{[9]
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- You can also pick up an infection from a manicure or pedicure if the nail tech used contaminated tools.
- An allergic reaction to skin products is usually not dangerous and only causes some itching, redness, and irritation. However, if the irritation is painful or you feel like you're having trouble breathing, call your doctor.

Question 6 of 9:

Should I stop getting my nails done if I have an allergy?

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Not necessarily, but you do have to avoid acrylic products. There’s no need to stop doing your nails or having nail appointments. However, be sure to avoid fake nails or gels with acrylic. This should prevent any future allergic reactions.^{[10]
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American Academy of Dermatology
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- Normal nail polish doesn’t have acrylic in it, so you can still paint and polish your nails if you want to.
- If you go in for a manicure or pedicure, tell the nail tech that you have an allergy to acrylic so they don’t use something that will irritate your skin.
- If you’re a nail tech yourself, then wear gloves while you’re working to protect yourself.^{[11]
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  American Academy of Dermatology
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Question 7 of 9:

I’ve never had an acrylic allergy—why did it start now?

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Allergies can start at any point without warning. The fact that you weren’t allergic to something in the past doesn’t mean you can’t develop an allergy now. Even if you’ve used something for years with no trouble, it’s possible to develop an allergy at any time.^{[12]
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Harvard Medical School
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- Long-term exposure to nail chemicals might actually make you more sensitive over time. If you get manicures regularly or work as a nail tech, it’s not strange to suddenly develop an allergy.^{[13]
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  American Academy of Dermatology
  Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
  
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Question 8 of 9:

Can this happen on my feet too?

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If you normally get pedicures or apply nail products to your toenails too, then this is definitely a possibility. Luckily, the symptoms and treatments are also the same, so you don’t have to do anything differently.^{[14]
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Question 9 of 9:

Do I need to go to the doctor?

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If you don’t feel better within a few days, then yes. Whether you have an infection or allergy, the problem usually clears up within a few days of home care. If you don’t notice any improvement, or the problem gets worse, then it’s time to see your doctor for further treatment.
- If you have an infection, your doctor will probably prescribe an antibiotic cream or pill to kill the bacteria. If a fungus is causing it, then they’ll use a topical or oral antifungal medication.^{[15]
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  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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- For allergies, your doctor will probably try prescription creams like corticosteroids to reduce the inflammation.^{[16]
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Marian Newman, Manicurist

Itchy, inflamed cuticles are often a reaction to products or infections introduced during manicures. To calm irritation, remove any remaining polish gently, then soak nails in warm water mixed with sea salt. Massage in a lightweight, fragrance-free moisturizer after patting dry. Persistent symptoms may require an antifungal treatment. With diligent at-home care, most cases clear within 10 days, allowing healthy new growth to emerge.

Expert Q&A

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Question

How do I heal the skin around my cuticles?

Lindsay Yoshitomi
Nail Artist
Lindsay Yoshitomi is the nail artist behind the blog, Lacquered Lawyer. She was featured as one of Nail It! magazine’s “Bloggers You Should Know,” and has been on the cover of Nail Art Gallery Magazine. She has been practicing nail art for over 15 years.

Lindsay Yoshitomi

Nail Artist

Expert Answer

Apply a cuticle oil to your cuticles and the skin around your nails to keep it moisturized.

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Always go to a licensed nail salon for nail treatments. These are more likely to follow good sanitary practices.^{[17]
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Warnings

While cuticle removal is a normal nail treatment, this is a bad idea. It lets bacteria into your nail bed and could cause infections. It’s best to avoid removing your cuticles altogether.^{[18]
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