Can I cut the keratinised proximal nail fold?

The Proximal Nail Fold is living tissue and the more it is damaged, i.e., cut, nipped, or abraded, the thicker and coarser it will grow. That is a fact of the skin’s physiology.

The PNF forms part of an important seal of the nail unit together with the cuticle (shed from the eponychium and made very ‘sticky’ so it sticks to the nail plate below and the PNF above it.) This seal needs to remain intact.

El marco de piel clara que es el borde distal de la PNF puede ensancharse porque está conectado a la cutícula que crece junto con la placa ungueal, por lo que se estira.

What should be a ‘pleasing look’ is the seal intact and a very narrow and neat edge to the PNF. Many choose to create a look where there is no evidence of the seal. This leaves the area clearly open to the invasion of pathogens. This is an unfortunate perception of a “pleasing look” when, in fact, it is damaging.

Both many nail professionals and clients refuse to have any patience in creating a safe “pleasing look”. They want instant results. This can even go to the lengths where there is a wide gap between the damaged PNF and the nail plate. This, without exception, results in swollen and inflamed skin.

En cambio, si el marco transparente de la PNF se levanta suavemente de la cutícula y se masajea a diario con un buen aceite de uñas, volverá a encogerse y no será tan evidente. Pero el sello permanecerá intacto y la piel sana.

The right oils are the answer to SO many problems with the nail unit! It may not be the instant result that many want but it is the safest. The “pleasing look” has come about due to the “instant gratification” that has grown in popularity. However, all it takes is just a little patience and understanding what is safe and what is harmful. (“Trout pout” for nails anyone?? No!)