A Major Utah University Researches What To Do With Your Finger

Your finger health is a primary concern for researchers at the University of Utah. Learn what you should not be doing.

The Proximal Nail Fold

There is a lot of misunderstanding about proper care of the proximal nail fold. If you are like me you  just scratched your head, flexing your proximal nail fold, and asked, "What is a proximal nail fold?"

The Proximal Nail Fold By Any Other Name

The proximal nail fold is what we might casually call the cuticle. The cuticle sounds "cute...er", but medically it is the proximal nail fold. And the University of Utah has an article informing us that we should not trim them.

What it is

The proximal nail fold is created as the skin and the nail bed interact according to the U of U. It seals the nail bed against infection and they suggest we leave it alone. It is a key defense in your fingernail health and should be treated with care.

How Cutting Them Became a Thing

Many elements can cause the proximal nail fold to pull away from the nail including dehydration, cold dry weather, and nutrition. Also, the nail fold can get in the way or look less attractive to some when getting their nails done. For these reasons, beauticians were taught to trim them.

Proper Treatment

The U of U suggests that if you do not like the length of your cuticle it is better to push the fold back than to cut it. For lifting issues look for an oil or serum treatment. Healing is preferential to trimming.