What should you know about cuticle invasion lichen planus?

Lichen planus is an inflammatory condition that can involve skin, mouth, scalp, or nails. Around a nail, inflammation may make the cuticle look ragged, recede, or disappear. The nearby nail fold can become red, tender, or swollen, while the nail may develop ridges, thinning, splitting, or separation.

Cuticle change does not identify one cause by itself. Irritation, infection, trauma, and other nail disorders can look similar. A dermatologist may inspect several nails, examine the skin and mouth, and sometimes take a sample when the diagnosis is uncertain.

Keep nails short and dry, avoid cutting or pushing back the cuticle, and wear gloves for wet work or chemicals. Do not pick loose nail edges or apply steroid, antifungal, or cosmetic products without guidance. Photographing changes can help show whether inflammation is spreading.

Treatment depends on the sites involved and severity. A clinician may discuss topical corticosteroids for local inflammation or oral corticosteroid treatment when broader control is needed. These medicines require an individual plan, especially if you have other conditions or take regular medicines.

Arrange dermatology review for persistent cuticle loss, nail pain, progressive nail distortion, or inflammation affecting several nails. Seek prompt care for pus, spreading redness, fever, or a rapidly worsening swollen nail fold. Mouth sores, scalp hair loss, or widespread itchy skin alongside nail changes should also be reported.

Could this be nail lichen planus or an infection, and is testing needed? Is the nail-making area involved? Which product should I use on the fold, and what should I avoid? How will we monitor regrowth and signs of scarring?