Ava Monroe
Torn skin above the fingernail is a common injury that can occur from various causes, including dry skin, frequent hand washing, nail-biting, or finger-picking. This condition is known as a hangnail and can lead to a bacterial or fungal infection called paronychia if left untreated. Paronychia is characterised by swelling, redness, and pain around the nail and can usually be treated with antibiotics or antifungal medication. In more severe cases, it may be necessary to drain pus or remove part of the nail. To prevent torn skin above the fingernail, it is important to maintain proper nail care, keep the hands moisturised, and avoid biting or picking at the nails and surrounding skin.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Condition | Hangnail, Paronychia (nail infection) |
| Cause | Dry skin, trauma (paper cut, nail biting, finger picking), irritation from water or <co: 1,3,12,16>chemicals, accidents, frequent manicures or pedicures |
| Treatment | Use lotion on nail fold and cuticles, wear waterproof gloves, antibiotics, antifungal medication, corticosteroid ointment, soak in warm water |
| Prevention | Keep nails and skin around nails clean and dry, trim nails regularly, avoid nail biting and picking, use gloves when working with chemicals |
| Symptoms | Redness, swelling, throbbing pain, tenderness, mild redness, minimal swelling, unusual nail shape or colour, pus-filled blisters, nail detachment |
| Complications | Chronic paronychia, osteomyelitis (bone infection), damage to the nail, loss of nail, infection spreading to the rest of the body |
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Hangnails
To treat a hangnail at home, follow these steps:
- Soak the affected finger in warm water for 10 to 15 minutes to soften the skin.
- Gently massage vitamin E oil, petroleum jelly, or mineral oil into the area.
- Carefully trim the hangnail with clean, sterile nail clippers or small scissors as close to the skin as possible.
- Apply a fragrance-free moisturizing cream or antibacterial ointment to keep the area moisturized and prevent further infection.
- If the hangnail is painful or bleeding, cover it with a bandage to protect it from infection until it heals.
It is important to resist the urge to rip, tear, or bite off a hangnail, as this can cause further damage and increase the risk of infection. Early treatment and keeping the skin around the nails healthy and hydrated are the best ways to prevent hangnails.
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Paronychia (nail infection)
Paronychia, or nail infection, is an infection of the skin around the fingernails and toenails. It occurs when the skin around the nail gets irritated or injured, allowing germs to enter and cause an infection. These germs are usually bacteria or a type of yeast called Candida. Paronychia can also be caused by a fungus, which can be difficult to get rid of.
Common causes of skin damage around the nail include biting or chewing the nails, picking at the nails, pulling hangnails, and sucking on fingers. An ingrown toenail can also cause paronychia. People whose hands are frequently wet or exposed to chemicals are at a higher risk of developing chronic paronychia. Occupations that require wet hands include bartenders, dishwashers, food handlers, and housecleaners.
There are two types of paronychia: acute and chronic. Acute paronychia develops over a few hours or days, with symptoms lasting less than six weeks. It is usually caused by a bacterial infection, although it can also be caused by the cold sore virus or the yeast Candida albicans. Chronic paronychia, on the other hand, develops more slowly, with symptoms lasting six weeks or longer. The cause of chronic paronychia is not fully understood, but it is often associated with distorted, ridged nail plates that may become yellow, green, or black and brittle.
Treatment for paronychia depends on the severity of the infection. Mild cases of acute paronychia can be treated at home by soaking the infected nail in warm water several times a day. Antibiotics may be prescribed if the infection is bacterial, while antifungal medications may be prescribed if it is fungal. In some cases, pus may need to be drained from abscesses. Severe or prolonged bacterial infections may require oral antibiotics.
Chronic paronychia can be prevented by keeping the hands dry and free from chemicals. It is important to wear gloves when working with water or harsh chemicals and to change socks and shoes daily to allow them to dry completely.
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Ingrown nails
An ingrown toenail is a common, painful nail condition that usually affects the big toe. It occurs when the nail grows into the skin around the nail bed. This can be caused by incorrect toenail cutting, ill-fitting shoes, tearing the corner of the nail, toe trauma, or the shape of the toe. Symptoms include redness, swelling, and pain. In some cases, the nail may become infected, leading to the discharge of liquid or pus.
To prevent and treat ingrown toenails, it is important to practice proper nail care and toenail trimming techniques. Toenails should be trimmed straight across, avoiding any curvature that matches the shape of the toe. Maintaining moderate toenail length is also important, as trimming nails too short can cause pressure from shoes that may direct the nail to grow into the surrounding tissue. Wearing properly fitted shoes is crucial to avoid placing too much pressure on the toes or pinching them, which can also contribute to ingrown toenails.
If you experience an ingrown toenail, there are several home treatment options you can try. Soaking your foot in warm water mixed with Epsom salt or soapy water twice a day can help manage the infection and prevent further pain. Gently lifting the edge of the nail and placing a small piece of cotton or dental floss between the nail and the skin can encourage the nail to grow above the skin edge. Applying an antibiotic cream and bandaging the toe can also aid in healing. Wearing roomy shoes or sandals can help reduce pressure on the affected area. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be taken to manage any discomfort.
In more severe cases of ingrown toenails, it is important to seek professional medical care. A healthcare provider can diagnose an ingrown toenail through a physical examination and determine if further treatment is necessary. They may use various methods, such as taping to pull the skin away from the nail or inserting a gutter splint under the nail to ease the pain and promote proper nail growth. For severe infections or recurring issues, a partial or complete nail avulsion procedure may be recommended, where a portion of the nail is surgically removed to prevent it from growing inward and cutting into the skin.
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Nail injuries
A nail injury can occur when any part of the nail becomes injured, including the nail, nail bed (skin underneath the nail), cuticle (base of the nail), and the skin around the sides of the nail. A hangnail is a common nail injury, where a small piece of torn skin hangs loose next to the nail. Hangnails are caused by dry skin, cold weather, repeated hand washing, or trauma such as a paper cut. They can also be caused by excessive finger picking or nail-biting.
If you get a hangnail, do not attempt to rip or pull it off, as this may open more inner skin layers to bacteria. Hangnails are treatable and usually go away after a few days as long as you do not pick or pull at the skin. To prevent infection, keep an eye on the affected area. If you notice swelling and redness alongside your fingernail, you may have an infected hangnail.
More severe nail injuries may involve the nail being cut, torn, smashed, or bruised, or the nail being torn away from the skin. Smashing your finger in a door, hitting it with a hammer, or cutting it with a knife can cause such injuries. For more serious nail injuries, it is recommended to go to an urgent care center or the emergency room.
If the nail cannot be reattached, a special type of material may be placed on the nail bed as it heals. Antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent infection, and pain relievers can be taken to reduce pain and swelling. It is important to keep the injured area clean and dry, and to protect the nail and finger with a splint as they heal.
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Home treatments
A hangnail is a small piece of torn skin hanging loose next to a nail. It is a skin condition, not a nail condition. Hangnails are very common and can be caused by:
- Dry skin, which can be caused by cold, dry weather, and frequent hand washing.
- Trauma, such as a paper cut or excessive finger picking.
- Nail biting.
- Working with your hands.
Hangnails can lead to an infection called paronychia, which is inflammation of the tissue (skin) on the side or at the base of the fingernail. Paronychia can develop when bacteria enter broken skin near the cuticle and nail fold, causing an infection.
- Soak the affected finger in clean, warm water for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Massage vitamin E oil, petroleum jelly, or mineral oil very gently onto the area.
- Gently clip the hangnail with sterile nail clippers, nail scissors, or cuticle cutters to prevent it from catching on anything and to reduce the risk of further infection.
- If you cut too deep and it bleeds, rinse with warm water and cover with antibacterial ointment.
- Moisturize the affected area with hand cream to stop it from drying out and to prevent more hangnails from sprouting.
- Early treatment may prevent worsening symptoms, such as abscess formation or infection that spreads up the affected finger.
- Soak your hands in warm water for around 5 minutes.
- While your skin is still soft, push back your cuticles and carefully trim away any excess skin on your fingers.
- Rub moisturizer around your nails and slip into a set of cotton gloves for the night to lock the product into your skin.
- Moisturize your hands each day to prevent them from drying out, and avoid products that dry out your skin (like acetone).
- Stop biting your nails and picking at your skin.
- Wear gloves when working with chemicals or when your hands will be wet for a long period.
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Frequently asked questions
A hangnail is a small piece of torn skin hanging loose next to your nail. It is a skin condition that is very common and can be caused by dry skin, nail-biting, finger-picking, or frequent hand washing.
Do not attempt to rip or pull off a hangnail as this may open more inner skin layers to bacteria. Hangnails usually go away after a few days if left alone.
Paronychia is a bacterial or fungal skin infection that occurs around the nails. It is caused by bacteria entering broken skin near the cuticle and nail fold. It can be treated with antibiotics and antifungal medication.
