Household chemicals that are used universally for daily washing and cleaning, dry the upper layer of the epidermis. After such contact, the fingers become dry, with time they look rough and cracked, if not systematically looked after. If your skin is cracking under the nails on your hands, then most often the reason for this is called manual permanent work. In such situations, even gloves only temporarily protect the skin from various kinds of damage. In this article, we will take a closer look at why the skin under the fingernails is cracking and how to treat this phenomenon.
The main causes and symptoms
The skin on the fingers, in particular under the nails, is most exposed to various factors. If your skin is cracking under the fingernails, then the causes of this symptom may lie in the following:
- Permanent mechanical work.
- The development of fungal infection.
- Contact with household cleaning and cleaning products.
Household chemicals
Any aggressive product, whether it is a liquid for cleaning plumbing, floors or windows, adversely affects the condition of the skin. If you do not want your skin to crack under the fingernails, you should pay attention to the composition when buying this or that product. It should have those components that protect the skin.
Temperature
Considering the causes of this symptom, sharp changes in temperature should also be included here. The fact is that sensitive skin responds to frost and cold. The skin becomes dry, cracks form around the nails, as well as under them. If you do not take any measures, then the wounds will become deeper and larger. They are very painful, cause discomfort to their owner, therefore, in the cold season, you need to pay special attention to your hands.
Mechanical injury
Considering why the skin is cracked under the nails on the hands, one should also mention the mandatory mechanical injury. Cracks form most often in those people who work with some kind of sharp equipment. Often they can be seen on the fingers of gardeners and gardeners, as well as among employees in the manufacturing sector. When interacting with water or earth, the skin becomes cracked, dry, which provokes the formation of cracks under the nails.
Improper care
We continue to consider why the skin under the fingernails is cracking. The reason often lies in the improper care of the skin. This includes the use of unsuitable or expired cosmetics, irregular or occasional hand washing. In addition, you should pay attention to the fact that provoke cracks under the nails can be too hard water, which dries the skin.
With prolonged work without gloves with water, as well as without proper care, not only cracks and ulcers can form, but also a nail disease caused by fungi of the genus Candida.
Thyroid
The skin under the nails may crack due to a malfunction of the thyroid gland. If the patient has a metabolic disorder, then many systems in the body begin to suffer. The skin of the hands, too. It begins to become covered with cracks, under the nails and painful deep wounds form around them. Hormonal disorder should include: diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, as well as other ailments of the endocrine system.
Mineral and Vitamin Deficiency
Why does the skin crack under the nails? The reason may also lie in the lack of essential minerals and vitamins in the body. The formation of cracks indicates a lack of vitamin B7, A, E, omega-3, as well as magnesium. The use of alkaline soap in these situations will only exacerbate the whole problem.
Skin diseases
Answering the question of why the skin under the nails crack, it is also imperative to mention skin diseases. Such ailments may be non-infectious or infectious. In the first case, a person develops psoriasis or eczema. As for infectious diseases, this should include fungal infections. Diseases of the skin provoke the formation of deep cracks under the nails, near them, between the fingers, and also on the palms of the hands.
Helminthiasis
Helminthiasis is another possible reason why the skin under the nails crack and sore. The presence of any parasite inhibits physical development when it comes to a child. As for adults, they are not able to gain weight in the presence of this parasite, but they have increased appetite. In addition, helminths can provoke an allergic reaction, a rash, dry skin, in particular, cracks under the nails.
Chronic diseases
If you have cracked skin on the fingers under the nails, then this may be a symptom of one of the pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract. Neurological diseases can also provoke this unpleasant symptom. Cholecystitis, gastritis, depressive states, neurosis suppress the immune system, which leads to the formation of cracks.
Therapy Features
When the skin is cracked under the nails, the reasons can be many, as you noticed. Therapy of this symptom will be based on exactly what specifically provoked the appearance of cracks. In case of problems and peeling near the nail or under it, the treatment includes:
- Reception of vitamin complexes.
- Use of medicated ointment, glue or cream.
- Paraffin therapy.
- Special hand masks using glycerin or mummy.
- The use of various antifungal drugs.
In order to restore a weakened immune system, it is necessary to take medicines. It is best for these purposes to use those drugs that contain a large number of trace elements and vitamins. The most effective of them are considered "Complivit" and "Alphabet".
Pantenol and Boro Plus creams proved to be good in the fight against peeling and cracks. These external products accelerate healing, soften tissues due to the fact that the composition contains nutrients that are specially balanced to restore the skin with a tendency to dryness.
If cracks have formed on the hands under the nails, and external products cannot cope with the problem, then experts recommend using medical glue. To do this, apply one drop of the drug to the damaged area, which freezes almost instantly. Such glue facilitates the fusion of the resulting cracks, and is also a kind of protection against the penetration of infection into the wounds.
A good therapeutic effect is paraffin therapy. You can carry it out at home, if you have a special bath for this, in which paraffin is melted. If you do not have the opportunity to purchase such a bath, then you can use a water bath. The duration of paraffin therapy is no more than a quarter of an hour. At the end of the procedure, in order to consolidate the effect, special cosmetic gloves are put on hands, they are worn for about half an hour. Before the procedure, the fingers must be greased with some oily cream. Thanks to this, you can protect your skin from a possible paraffin burn.
Masks based on glycerin are not only distinguished by their moisturizing properties, but also effectively protect the skin. To prepare such a mixture, you should take one tablespoon of soda, mix with iodine and glycerin, as well as a small amount of flour. When the mask is ready, it should be applied to the damaged area under the nails and around them. The duration of the event should be no more than 15 minutes. It is recommended to make such masks in the evening, so that after removal the skin does not come into contact with water.
If you have peeling of the skin and cracks under the nails, then the above methods can fix the problem. But if there was severe pain and it was impossible to touch the fingers, then you should use the mummy. To do this, several tablets must be dissolved in water, and then applied to the painful area. Mummy must be kept as long as possible. It can not only overcome pain, but also accelerate tissue healing.
If the cause of the problem with the epidermis is the development of a fungal infection, in addition to cosmetics, drugs should also be used to combat mycosis. The most effective are Batrafen, Clotrimazole, Loceryl, Kindid, Exoderil.
These products are available in the form of tablets, solutions or varnishes. If your nail is affected, then the drug must be applied to its surface. The duration of therapy, as well as the frequency of application of funds should be established by a dermatologist. This will depend on the neglect of the disease.
Prevention
In order to prevent the formation of dryness and cracks under the nails, it is necessary to constantly use moisturizing and nourishing products for the skin of the hands. It is also additionally recommended to carry out procedures aimed at skin care. To do this, you can apply recipes of traditional medicine. In spring and autumn, experts advise taking vitamin complexes for prevention. Such measures significantly help to maintain a healthy color, as well as the softness of the skin under and around the nails.
Conclusion
There are many different reasons why the skin on the fingers and under the nails may begin to crack. The true provocative factor can only be determined by a qualified dermatologist. It is real to get rid of such an unpleasant symptom at home, using medications, masks, and skin care procedures. However, if you have severe pain, you should contact a medical institution, as the cause can be very serious.