Hangnail Care and Solutions

Whether you're dedicated to your weekly manicure or only own a basic set of clippers and a nail file, maintaining the health of your nails and the surrounding skin is crucial for your overall well-being. One common issue that even the most carefully maintained hands can face is the pesky hangnail. Though they may seem trivial compared to other health concerns, hangnails can become infected and lead to further complications. Thankfully, there are numerous ways to prevent hangnail-related issues.

Hangnails are actually unrelated to your fingernails. Many people mistake hangnails for ingrown nails, a condition where the nail's corner grows into the soft skin of the nail bed [source: Mayo Clinic]. In fact, hangnails are small, dry, sometimes brittle triangular pieces of skin around your nails that can tear off [source: Stedman's Medical Dictionary]. Since there are various causes for hangnails, everyone experiences them from time to time. However, chronic hangnails can lead to more serious problems.

When the skin around your nails tears, it creates an opening for infection, especially considering the bacteria your hands come into contact with daily, not to mention the effects of dishwater, cold temperatures, and other elements that can dry out your hands. Luckily, there are simple and effective methods to prevent hangnails, from regularly moisturizing to indulging your hands with cuticle soaks and manicures.

If you're struggling to get rid of hangnails, there are also straightforward treatments available. Antibacterial lotions can often solve the problem, and in more severe cases, a doctor might recommend a prescription antibiotic.

To prevent hangnails, it's essential to understand what causes them. Keep reading to uncover the common causes.

What Leads to Hangnails?

You’ve probably noticed you get more hangnails in winter. During this time, your skin also tends to dry out quickly. You’ve pinpointed one of the main causes: anything that dries out your skin, like cold weather, harsh chemicals, or frequent exposure to water, can trigger the development of hangnails.

If you bite your nails, you're likely to experience more hangnails than those who avoid the habit. Apart from harming your teeth, nail biting can damage the nail bed, the skin beneath your fingernail [source: Mayo Clinic]. A weakened nail bed can result in more hangnails. Another cause of hangnails is an imperfect manicure — using nail clippers improperly or frequently trimming the cuticles can lead to hangnails [source: Bruno].

Neglected hangnails can lead to an infection called paronychia. There are three types of paronychia infection: bacterial, Candidal (a type of yeast), and fungal [source: MedlinePlus]. An infection in the skin around your fingernail may cause redness, swelling, pain, and sometimes pus.

Now that you know how hangnails form, you're probably wondering how to stop them before they even start. Keep reading to discover how.

How to Prevent Hangnails

As you now know, hangnails can develop easily. The good news is that preventing them is just as simple. In fact, many of the solutions to prevent hangnails are likely already available in your home.

One quick and simple step to prevent hangnails is to moisturize your hands. If you're prone to hangnails, try applying lotion or hand cream to your nail beds two to three times daily. Moisturizing helps both your nails and cuticles, making this easy habit highly beneficial for overall nail health [source: Mayo Clinic].

If you bite your nails or frequently pick at your cuticles, it may be time to stop. Nail biting not only contributes to hangnails but also raises the risk of infection or warts. Additionally, it can transfer viruses and bacteria from your fingers to your mouth, potentially causing illnesses like colds or flu, or other unwanted issues [source: Gibson].

Looking for a reason to get a manicure? Here's one! Regular nail care can significantly reduce the likelihood of hangnails. If you do your own manicures, avoid cutting your cuticles. Trim your nails straight across and finish by gently filing the edges to create a slightly rounded shape. If you're unsure about using an orange stick, treat yourself to a professional manicure. A soak in cuticle oil, commonly used by manicurists, can also moisturize your nail beds and prevent hangnails. Plus, a professional can ensure your nails are trimmed properly and your cuticles are pushed back, not cut [source: Bruno].

If you've already developed a hangnail, don't worry. Visit the next page to explore treatment options.

Treating Hangnails

If it's too late for prevention and you feel a hangnail coming on, there are several ways to treat it without resorting to tearing, ripping, or biting.

When dealing with a hangnail, your first step should be to soften it. Cutting a dry hangnail can worsen the damage and start a cycle of recurring problems. Soak your finger(s) in warm water for a few minutes, then carefully clip the hangnail using cuticle scissors to avoid jagged edges that might tear further. Afterward, massage lotion into the nail bed and repeat the process a few times daily until the hangnail heals [source: WebMD]. You can also apply an antibacterial lotion to the area, and if the hangnail is deep, cover it with a bandage until it completely heals.

If the skin around the hangnail becomes red, swollen, or starts producing pus, it may be infected. For bacterial paronychia, start by soaking the affected area in hot water two to three times a day. If there's no improvement after a few days or the infection worsens, seek medical attention. You may need prescription antibiotics. If the infection is severe, your doctor may need to drain the area [source: WebMD]. If you suspect a fungal infection, consult a doctor immediately as you may require anti-fungal medication [source: MedlinePlus].