What can you learn from looking at your cuticles? The cuticle, or "eponychium", is a layer of dead skin cells that is very important as it provides a waterproof barrier against bacteria, pathogens, and irritants.
- Overgrowth of the cuticle, or “Pterygium” – most commonly the result of severe trauma, such as burns, lichen planus, certain nail removal procedures.
- Prominent eponychium + Hemorrhaging – often seen in a medical condition called dermatomyositis; also seen in Lupus (SLE), scleroderma, and musculoskeletal disease.
- Long eponychium – mostly just a cosmetic problem.
- Missing eponychium + Yellow nail plate – a strong indication for yellow nail syndrome (YNS), which is associated with lung disorders and lymphedema. Other nail features of YNS can be slow nail growth and a loose or detached nail plate.
Allison Ippel, Student Blogger (SCPM 2013)
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