Question:
peeling skin arond cuticles

All labs are normal,feel fine, nails and hair grow normally but have a persistent peeling of skin around cuticles-sometimes to the point of pain and bleeding- wondering if anyone else has had this. Could it possible be related to a vitamin deficiecy? Thanks to everyone who has responded to my prevous questions.    — Norma N. (posted on April 21, 2002)

April 21, 2002
Are you taking dry form Vites A, D & E? How much protein supps are you getting in? Where in the range are your protein & albumin levels, A&D? Are you trying to get some fats into your diet? Maybe taking Coromega to get the EFA's? The first thing that comes to mind is that many try to go low fat and since we malabsorb them anyway, we can end up WAY too short in them. Possibly your fat solubles have not been checked. Also, the B-family. If you're not getting grains, nuts, seeds--- you can be short in the B's. B12 is another animal all together, but again, it's where within the range you find yourself. Not just being "in normal ranges".
   — vitalady

April 21, 2002
When I watched my fat intake continuosly as a pre-op, my cuticles were awful. I always had what I call hang-nails. They would 'catch' on stuff and bleed and be really sore. My cuticles always looked horrible. I don't know what else is different except that I don't watch my fats now (I don't pig out on fatty things though), and I take my vitamins regularly. My cuticles are the smoothest they have ever been. My nails also no longer have ridges in them, straight and smooth. My skin is also the clearest and softest it has ever been. The only thing that I can attribute these changes to is the fat in my diet and regular vitamins. I wish I had the answer for you because I would love to let everyone in on the secret. I hope you figure it out!
   — Cheri M.

April 21, 2002
I have to echo the other posters. Our society has been so brainwashed into the 'low fat' diet that we seem to think that all fat is BAD and we should eliminate it from our diets completely. The fact is your body needs some fat to function properly. One of things it does is help keep our skin and hair healthy. Try adding a little bit of fat and see what happens.
   — garw

April 22, 2002
I agree with your previous posters, vits are VERY important. Until you can figure out what's causing this, go get some cuticle clippers (go to a beauty supply shop and be sure they are *good* ones) and nail oil (I love grape seed oil, smells so good). Gently push your cutiles back, clip your cuticle skin away, along with any peeling skin, *don't pull on any of it*, just clip it away until smooth. Use the oil afterwards and keep rubbing it in, follow up with a good lotion, like Neutragena (sp?) Hand Cream (works wonders!) I have had this problem most of my adult life (shuffling papers)and have to do this once a week or so, it helps bunches!
   — DonnaCarol