Please note the term Cuticle is used interchangeablybetween human Anatomy to describe the area above the finger or toenail, it is also used in Botany to describe the waxy cove
…ring of aleaf or thickened skin of fruit; additionally the term is used inEntomology to describe the covering of insects. This answer relates to human Anatomy, please refer to the RelatedQuestion - What is a Plant cuticle for a Botanical definition. Human Anatomy The cuticle, or Eponychium (in a person) is the small area of skinabove the finger- or toe-nail. It's what people sometimes bite,like the sides of their fingers. It is at the base where the nailconnects to the actual finger. This skin is sensitive and delicate.It is a very thin layer of skin, and can be broken easily. Somepeople who bite their nails also tend to bite their cuticles.Despite being so small, they can bleed a LOT! It is important tokeep up the condition of your cuticles. Many nails salons will dothis (sometimes you might have to ask, though) when you get a manior pedi done. This can be even done at home, because it justinvolves making sure the skin does not grow over the nail. That cancause some minor health problems, like irritation, slight pain,possible infection, or breaking of the skin. Cuticle health caneither be maintained by trimming back the skin, or by pushing itback. This is most easily done when the skin is soft and moist,like after a hot shower or bath. ( Full Answer )