What causes the skin at the base of the fingernail to grow outward over the nail, and how should it be treated?
Dec 01, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Li Feng
Introduction
Overgrowth of skin at the junction between the fingernail and surrounding tissue may result from improper nail trimming, trauma, paronychia, ingrown nails, or periungual warts. Management options include daily care, medication, or surgical treatment depending on the specific condition. It is important to adopt proper nail-cutting habits to avoid cutting nails too short, and to wear gloves during household chores to minimize exposure to chemicals and physical trauma.
The overgrowth of skin tissue at the junction between the fingernail and surrounding skin may be caused by poor nail-trimming habits, trauma, paronychia, ingrown nails, or periungual warts. Depending on the specific situation, improvements can be achieved through daily care, medication, or surgical treatment. The detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Poor Nail-Trimming Habits
Trimming the nails too short or rounding the edges excessively removes protection from the nail bed, stimulating abnormal proliferation of surrounding tissues. When trimming nails, leave 1–2 mm of length and cut the edges straight across. Avoid using sharp tools to dig into the nail folds.
2. Trauma
After compression or impact injuries to the nail, perionychium tissues are damaged, leading to excessive cell proliferation during the healing process and resulting in tissue overgrowth. Immediately apply an ice pack after injury to reduce swelling. Later, soak the area in warm water and apply iodine tincture for disinfection. Prevent re-injury.
3. Paronychia
Bacterial infection of the soft tissue around the nail causes inflammation, which stimulates granulation tissue formation. Under medical guidance, topical antibiotics such as mupirocin ointment or fusidic acid cream may be used, along with oral cefradine capsules. Keep the nail area clean and dry.
4. Ingrown Nails
The lateral edge of the nail grows into the nail fold, causing chronic pressure and irritation that leads to inflammation and tissue overgrowth. Follow medical advice to use topical ichthammol ointment or iodine solution, and take oral amoxicillin capsules. In severe cases, partial nail avulsion surgery may be performed to remove the embedded portion of the nail.
5. Periungual Warts
Infection of the perionychial skin by human papillomavirus (HPV) causes abnormal keratinocyte proliferation, forming wart-like growths. Under medical supervision, topical treatments such as imiquimod cream or fluorouracil ointment can be applied, or intralesional injections of pingyangmycin injection may be administered. Cryotherapy is also an effective option for removing warts.
To prevent recurrence, develop proper nail-cutting habits and avoid cutting nails too short. Wear gloves when doing household chores to minimize exposure to chemicals and physical trauma. Promptly address any discomfort around the nails to prevent worsening. If tissue overgrowth persists, seek medical attention early for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
