How to Keep Kids Cuticles From Getting Torn

Encourage your child to wash his hands with kid-friendly soap. Soak his hands in warm water, not hot, for a few minutes to soften the skin. Pat dry with clean towel. Clip any torn cuticles with a clean nail scissors or clippers. Use orange stick or clean, soft cloth to push back excess or outgrown cuticles. Dab vitamin E oil on your child̵7;s cuticles and rub it into the cuticle, nail and surround skin. Do this procedure about once a week or whenever the cuticles are looking dry.

Use hand moisturizer several times a day, especially after washing hands, baths and showers, as the moisturizer soaks into moist skin much better. Olive oil, coconut oil, apricot oil and shea butter are all natural means of keeping those little fingers soft and moisturized. Regular unscented, alcohol-free hand moisturizer works for those small hands, too. Cuticles are less likely to get torn if the hands are moisturized and not dry.

Talk to your child about not picking at torn cuticles. Not only can this hurt, it can possibly cause infection. The American Academy of Pediatrics points out that some kids get into cuticle picking as a self-comforting habit, but luckily they usually grow out of this habit over time.

Keep your child hydrated. If your child isn̵7;t getting enough water each day, dehydration can cause dry skin, making it easier for skin, including cuticles, to crack, tear or get damaged. According to Kids Health, there̵7;s no magic amount your child should be drinking per day. However, your child should drink when thirsty and in small amounts throughout the day. More water is needed when he̵7;s active and on hot days. His urine should be a light color; if it̵7;s dark, have him drink more water.