Liam Carter
Hangnails are torn pieces of skin that occur near the cuticle and can be caused by dry skin, biting your nails, a bad manicure, harsh soaps, and frequent hand washing. They can be painful and irritating, and if left untreated, they may become infected. Typically, a hangnail will heal within a few days to a week as long as you don't pick or pull at the skin. However, if the hangnail becomes infected, it may require a visit to the doctor, especially if it does not heal within two weeks or shows signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or pus.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Duration of hangnails | Hangnails usually go away within a few days as long as you don't pick or pull at the skin. |
| When to see a doctor | If your hangnail doesn't improve within two weeks or shows signs of infection, contact your doctor. If the infection is severe, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics. |
| Treatment | To treat a hangnail, carefully trim the hangnail with clean nail clippers or scissors. Then, soak the nail in warm water and antibacterial soap for 15 minutes up to four times a day. Apply a small amount of antibiotic cream to the affected area. |
| Prevention | To prevent hangnails, avoid biting your nails, getting a bad manicure, or having dry skin. Use moisturizer daily and wear gloves when washing dishes. |
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Hangnail causes
Hangnails are extremely common, and certain behaviours and conditions can increase the likelihood of getting them. One of the main causes of hangnails is dry skin. Routinely washing hands, dry weather, and the use of harsh chemicals like hand sanitiser or cleaning products can deplete the oil in the skin, making it dry and more prone to hangnails. Nail biting, nail cutting, and picking at cuticles can also contribute to hangnail growth.
Occupations that require frequent hand washing or working with hands can make individuals more susceptible to hangnails. Those who work with paper, for example, may experience paper cuts that can lead to hangnails. Additionally, certain habits like nail biting, thumb sucking, and nail picking can increase the likelihood of hangnails.
Trauma to the nail bed, such as a paper cut or finger picking, can also cause hangnails. This trauma can cause inflammation and pain, making it challenging to perform daily tasks. Hangnails can be quite painful due to the presence of nerve endings and blood vessels in the fingertips.
Hangnails can also be caused by underlying conditions. Individuals with diabetes, for instance, may be more prone to developing hangnails. Additionally, those who are immunocompromised or prone to ingrown nails may have an increased risk of hangnail formation.
It is important to note that hangnails can become infected if not properly treated. Bacteria or fungi can enter through the break in the skin, leading to infections such as paronychia, cellulitis, or fungal infections. Therefore, it is crucial to take preventative measures, such as moisturising the skin and cuticles, and treating hangnails early to avoid potential infections.
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Home treatments
Hangnails are small injuries to your nail bed, but they can be painful and irritating. They often appear when the skin around your nails becomes dry, cracked, or damaged. While most hangnails are harmless and can be treated at home, they can sometimes lead to infections if not properly cared for.
Hangnails can be treated at home using the following steps:
- Wash your hands before touching the hangnail to prevent infection and irritation.
- Place your hand flat on a clean surface, palm down.
- Carefully trim the hangnail with clean nail clippers or cuticle scissors. Avoid biting, ripping, or pulling off the hangnail, as this can lead to further irritation and increase the risk of infection.
- After trimming, soak the nail in warm water for 15 minutes up to 4 times a day. This helps increase blood flow and cleanse the area.
- Apply a topical antibiotic cream to the affected area to prevent and treat infection.
- Cover the area with a bandage to keep it protected and clean.
It is important to keep the affected area clean and free of dirt and debris to prevent infection. Hangnails usually go away after a few days as long as you do not pick or pull at the skin. However, if the hangnail does not improve within two weeks or shows signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or pus formation, contact your doctor for further treatment.
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Medical treatments
Hangnails are small injuries to the nail bed, but they can be painful and irritating. They are usually caused by dry skin around the nails, which can be the result of cold weather, frequent hand washing, exposure to harsh chemicals, or biting or picking at the skin.
Hangnails are treatable at home and usually go away after a few days if left alone. However, they can become infected, so it is important to keep the area clean and free of dirt and debris.
If a hangnail becomes infected, it may require medical treatment. Signs of infection include redness, swelling, pain, and the presence of pus. If a hangnail is infected, it should be treated as soon as possible to prevent the infection from spreading. Here are some medical treatments for infected hangnails:
- Warm water soaks: Soaking the affected nail in warm water for 15 minutes, up to 4 times a day, can help to increase blood flow, cleanse the area, and soften the hangnail, making it easier to trim.
- Trimming: Once the hangnail is soft, it can be carefully trimmed with clean nail clippers or small scissors. This helps to prevent the hangnail from catching on things and reducing the risk of further infection.
- Antibiotic ointment or cream: After trimming the hangnail, it is recommended to apply a topical antibiotic ointment or cream to the area to protect it from bacteria and prevent infection.
- Bandaging: Covering the area with a bandage can help keep the wound clean and prevent the infection from spreading.
- Oral antibiotics: In some cases, a doctor may prescribe oral antibiotics to treat the infection.
- Draining: If the infection is severe and has caused an abscess or pus to form, a medical professional may need to drain the pus and clean the area to stop the infection from spreading.
- RICE method: This stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation. This can help to reduce pain and swelling associated with the infection.
- Over-the-counter painkillers and anti-inflammatories: These can help to manage any pain and swelling caused by the infection.
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Prevention methods
Hangnails are small but can be surprisingly annoying and even painful. They are a sign that the skin around your fingernails is lacking oil. Anything that causes dry skin, like frequent hand washing, dry winter weather, and harsh chemicals, can deplete the oil in your skin and contribute to hangnail growth. Nail biting, nail picking, and cutting your cuticles can also lead to hangnails and infections.
Keep Your Nails Hydrated
The best way to prevent hangnails is to keep the skin around your nails healthy and hydrated. Moisturizing the skin on your hands regularly may help prevent hangnail infections. Use a fragrance-free moisturizing cream or a bit of petroleum jelly to keep the skin around your nails moisturized.
Avoid Nail Biting and Picking
Nail biting and nail picking at your nails and cuticles can lead to hangnails and infections. Hangnails commonly occur when the skin around your nails becomes dry and damaged. Avoid biting or picking at your nails and cuticles to prevent hangnails from forming.
Practice Good Nail Hygiene
Good nail hygiene can help reduce the occurrence of hangnails. Trim your nails straight across using sharp nail clippers or scissors. Use an emery board to slightly round the tips and smooth out any rough edges or snags. Avoid using your nails as tools, such as prying open a soda can.
Soak Your Nails in Warm Water
If you have a hangnail, soaking your fingers in warm, soapy water for about 10 minutes can help soften the skin and make it easier to trim. You can also soak your nails in warm water two to four times a day to increase blood flow, cleanse the area, and reduce any discomfort.
Treat Infections Promptly
Hangnails can sometimes lead to infections if not properly cared for. Bacterial infections can produce symptoms almost immediately, while fungal infections may take longer to appear. If you notice any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, pain, or pus, seek medical advice and treat the infection promptly to prevent further complications.
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Complications
Hangnails are usually harmless and can be treated at home. However, they can sometimes lead to infections if not properly cared for. Hangnails are caused by trauma such as paper cuts, excessive finger-picking, or dry skin. Those who have a habit of biting their nails or picking their skin are more likely to get hangnails.
Hangnails can cause the following complications:
- Infection: Hangnails can get infected if exposed to bacteria or fungus. Bacterial infections can produce symptoms almost immediately, while fungal infections may take longer to appear. Infections near fingernails are called paronychia and can be painful. Symptoms of an infected hangnail include redness, swelling, pain, warmth, and pus formation. If left untreated, the infection can spread to other parts of the finger or body.
- Abscess: An abscess is a collection of pus that forms due to the infection. It may need to be drained by a doctor to stop the infection from spreading.
- Aggravation of the hangnail area: If you pull or bite a hangnail, you may remove additional skin and expose inner skin layers to bacteria. This can cause the hangnail area to become red and inflamed.
- Spread of infection: If not treated properly, an infected hangnail can spread the infection to other parts of the body. This is rare but can cause serious complications.
- Chronic paronychia: If an infection lasts over six weeks, it is considered chronic paronychia and will need medical assessment and treatment.
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Frequently asked questions
Hangnails usually go away after a few days as long as you don't pick or pull at the skin. If the hangnail doesn't improve within two weeks or shows signs of infection, contact your doctor.
Signs of an infected hangnail include redness, swelling, pain, and pus.
If you have an infected hangnail, do not attempt to bite, rip, or pull it off. Soak the nail in warm water and antibacterial soap several times a day, then trim the hangnail with clean nail clippers or scissors. Apply antibiotic cream and cover the area with a bandage.
To prevent hangnails, avoid biting your nails, getting a bad manicure, or washing your hands too frequently. Keep your skin hydrated by moisturizing regularly, especially during dry weather.
If your hangnail doesn't heal within a week or shows signs of infection, you should see a doctor. They may prescribe antibiotics or drain the abscess if necessary.
