No, you shouldn't cut your nail fold unless it's excess and dead.
Understanding the Nail Fold
The nail fold is the skin surrounding your nail. It's important for protecting the nail matrix (where your nail grows from). Cutting it can lead to problems.
What You Can Do
- Trim excess skin: If you have excess, dead skin around your nail, carefully trimming it away is acceptable. This is different from cutting the healthy nail fold itself.
- Use proper tools: Use sharp, clean nail clippers or scissors designed for cuticle care.
- Be gentle: Avoid aggressive trimming. Over-cutting the nail fold can cause it to grow back thicker and potentially lead to infection.
What You Should Not Do
- Cut the living nail fold: This is the healthy, pink skin surrounding your nail. Cutting it can be painful and increase your risk of infection.
- Use dull tools: Dull instruments can tear the skin and cause more damage.
Important Note: As stated in the provided reference, over-cutting the proximal nail fold (PNF) chronically can cause it to grow back thicker. Trimming away excess and dead PNF is fine, but avoid over-cutting.
