Reason For Skin Growth Under Nails

Why Is the Skin Under My Fingernails Longer Than My Nails? We Asked the Pros

Mar 25 2024 by Lauren Gordon

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You might have noticed a thin layer of skin growing underneath your nails. Slightly put off by it? Don't stress, it isn't a huge worry — but can get a bit uncomfortable, especially when trimming or filing nails. The tissue growth is actually called the hyponychium and stops germs and debris from getting under your nail, protecting your nail bed.

The hyponychium can thicken, making it grow excessively and at times, longer than your actual nail and this can be caused by genetics, wearing gels or acrylics too long, biting your nails, and other factors. We asked experts Merilin Notton, head of brand at Mylee and Charlotte Knight, nail tech, founder and CEO of Ciaté London for some tips and advice on how to tackle an overgrown hyponychium the right way, to avoid any nail mishaps.

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Renee Rodriguez

What Is the Hyponychium?

"The hyponychium is the skin located under the free edge of your nail, near your fingertip. It is a normal thing for every person to have - it's a barrier from both germs and debris, and it's vital for protecting the nail bed (under the nail) from external substances," Notton tells POPSUGAR UK. So essentially, while it might look a little bit icky, the hyponychium is looking out for your nails by preventing infections and the lifting of the natural nail from the nail bed.

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Renee Rodriguez

What Can Cause the Hyponychium to Grow Excessively?

In some cases, the hyponychium can grow more than usual, causing discomfort, but be assured it's completely harmless, as Knight tells us: "The growth of this skin can occur for so many reasons, one of the most common is trauma to the nail bed as this can cause the skin there to thicken as a protective mechanism."

Notton echoes this, explaining that skin conditions and fungal infections can lead to build up and thickening of the hyponychium and the nail bed. "The skin condition, Psoriasis, which is where skin cells grow faster than they usually do, can make the Hyponychium grow, as can fungal infections, which thicken the nail and skin tissue beneath the nails.

"Like all other features of the body, our Hyponychium and nail beds vary from person to person thanks to genetics. However, some lifestyle factors may also determine the length. In short, the care you put into your nails can really determine their health. For example, if you're more prone to nail trauma (whether it's through work, or nail biting), your nail bed can be affected, so it's important to take care of them."

How to Treat the Hyponychium

Treating the hyponychium can be an easy feat, as can preventing it. Knight recommends keeping your nails neatly trimmed and to avoid any trauma to your nail bed, which is also what causes the hyponychium to grow. "Don't forget to show your nails a little love with some moisturiser or cuticle oil, and whatever you do, avoid biting or picking at the nails which will cause further damage," she says.

Similarly, Notton recommends using the Mylee Cuticle Oil Roller Pen (£8) regularly and not just on your cuticles, but on your Hyponychium too, to soften the skin, as well as Mylee Disinfectant Spray (£8) to disinfect and sterilise any nail tools you may be using, including cuticle removers and nail cutters to prevent infections.

"Ensure that you remove your gels or acrylics every two to three weeks and take a break from long nails every so often," Notton advises.

Mylee Cuticle Oil Roller Pen

£7.50

from mylee.co.uk

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Mylee Disinfectant Spray

£8

from mylee.co.uk

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What You Should Avoid When Treating the Hyponychium

Try to avoid removing the hyponychium yourself, don't cut the skin and be gentle with your nails. "Cutting the skin would cause a lot of pain, and make the area much more sensitive. If you aren't experiencing other symptoms, such as discoloration, bleeding or unusual smells (all signs of an infection), over time, and with the use of a lot of cuticle oil, you may be able to soften the Hyponychium and gently remove it. However, I would highly recommend consulting your doctor or dermatologist before doing this," Notton says.

Lauren Gordon is the editorial coordinator at POPSUGAR UK, where she creates lifestyle and identity content. Lauren has a degree in journalism from University of the Arts London and previously worked as a showbiz and TV reporter at The Mirror US. Lauren specialises in pop culture, hair and beauty, focusing on trends, sharing in-depth tutorials, and highlighting hidden gems in the beauty industry.

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