Problem with 'the bit at the bottom of your nails'

mr_coffeekiller · #1 05-06-2004, 08:14 AM

It happens every few months. I'm not sure of the proper name for it but the bit of skin at the bottom of your fingernails (where they grow from) keeps coming loose. I say loose but I mean raggedy. Which means when I go to pop the string, the raggedy skin gets caught on the string above and eventually results in a big tearing chunk of flesh and plenty of blood.

I really don't want to change the fingers(s) I use for popping every once in a while so I was wondering if it happens to anyone else and what do they do about it?

I've tried sellotape and plasters but they just peel off slowly

Anyone?

CK

JMX · #2 05-06-2004, 08:18 AM

I found this seems to go away when you drink enough (water) and use a good hand creme.

I often get skin problems when I don't drink enough. At least I think there's a connection.

Nick Bassman · #3 05-06-2004, 09:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JMX

I found this seems to go away when you drink enough (water) and use a good hand creme.

I often get skin problems when I don't drink enough. At least I think there's a connection.

I echo this I get a lot of dry skin if I don't drink enough as well as headaches and a listless feeling. I guess that could just be my age !! I also agree that a good hand cream (I use Neutrogena very concentated and no smell) really helps.

You can also get a little cuticle pen which my wife uses to stop this getting raggy in the first place. This link is from the UK but it shows what I mean. I'm pretty sure you'll find similar in your locale.

mr_coffeekiller · #4 05-06-2004, 09:28 AM

Cheers people... will definately look into that cuticle pen, looks the buisness. Lets Hope I can find it in Scotland.

I thought the amount of water I drank in coffee would be fine... appears that it's not.

Cheers again

CK

DirtDog · #5 05-06-2004, 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mr_coffeekiller

Cheers people... will definately look into that cuticle pen, looks the buisness. Lets Hope I can find it in Scotland.

I thought the amount of water I drank in coffee would be fine... appears that it's not.

Cheers again

CK

OCH! Jest use yer sgian dubh....

3 crotch grabs · #6 05-06-2004, 12:01 PM

that's your cuticles. what you have to do is this... every morning, try to push the skin on top of your fingernails back. not to the point of pain, but just give it a little shove. this builds up the area and makes it more resiliant. it takes time to see the results, but it works.

Nick Bassman · #7 05-06-2004, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mr_coffeekiller

I thought the amount of water I drank in coffee would be fine... appears that it's not.

CK

Unfortunately not, coffee has a dehydrating effect.
You need to drink approximately 2 litres of water a day, that's 8-10 glasses. I stopped drinking coffee some years back and I only have 2 cups of tea a day, I really feel the difference now. Sometimes though I miss that coffee

mr_coffeekiller · #8 05-06-2004, 02:56 PM

Damnit... Replace coffee?! hmm, not for a while

And cheers, 3 crotch grabs. I'll start that out soon... if it doesn't work, I'll be after you armed with a few haggis'!

CK