Cuticle cutters may seem like your typical household item. They're akin to a nail clipper and often come in a nail care set. But they should not be taken so lightly. Many people are unaware that this tool can do a lot of damage. Ella Toombs, MD, a Washington, D.C., dermatologist, tells WebMD, "Cuticles don't want to be cut ... They're supposed to be soft, and cutting can make them hard, more likely to fracture. If you cut it, it has an increased tendency to split off."
Not only will cutting your cuticles likely make them tougher, but it can also lead to some severe health issues. Dermatologist Erika Summers, MD, warned University of Utah Health, "When the skin around our nails is traumatized by biting or trimming cuticles, or picking at hangnails, bacteria or fungi can enter into the wound. This can cause an infection of the skin around the nail ..." And, if you are getting your nails done at a salon, you will be immediately exposing these open wounds to bacteria harbored in the facility.
