Skin overgrowing under your skin: what causes it and how to treat it?

#2 – Pterygiuminversum unguis

We start with the Latin designation to make it more challenging. Pterygiuminversum unguis (from now on PIU) happens when the skin from hyponychium gets attached to the nail — underside — as the nail grows.

Despite being an uncommon condition to have, it’s the main reason for skin growth under the nail. There is still no consensus over PIU in the medical community. There are, however, indications that can be hereditary or acquired as growing up.

How can you get it? Via an injury or trauma in the designated area; if you have contact dermatitis if you do frequent gel manicures or wear acrylic nails for long periods. The same if you use nail hardeners or if you have the habit of biting your nails.

Some conditions such as leprosy, subungual exostosis (a disease where the bones of your fingertips overgrow), systemic sclerosis, neurofibromatosis, and stroke are also associated with this condition.