A hangnail refers to a small, often painful piece of skin that tears or separates from the side or base of a fingernail or toenail. Despite its small size, this common issue can cause discomfort.
Understanding What a Hangnail Is
A hangnail is not actually a part of the nail plate itself, but rather a small, ragged piece of skin that has detached from the surrounding nail fold. This skin often appears as a small, raised flap or sliver near the cuticle or along the lateral nail folds. The separation of this skin can expose underlying nerve endings, leading to pain and tenderness. Because the skin around the nail is delicate, it is prone to tearing. Unlike a torn cuticle, which is typically a fraying or damage to the protective skin layer directly at the base of the nail, a hangnail involves a deeper tear of the skin adjacent to the nail.
Common Causes and Effective Prevention
Several factors contribute to the development of hangnails, often stemming from conditions that dry out the skin around the nails. Dry skin, especially during colder months or from frequent hand washing, loses its elasticity and becomes more susceptible to tearing. Habits such as nail biting or picking at the skin around the nails can also directly cause hangnails by damaging the delicate skin. Improper nail trimming, such as cutting too close to the skin or tearing off loose pieces, can also create openings for hangnails to form. Exposure to harsh chemicals found in cleaning products or prolonged immersion in water can strip the natural oils from the skin, leading to dryness and increased vulnerability.
Regularly moisturizing hands and cuticles with a rich cream or specialized cuticle oil helps keep the skin pliable and less likely to tear. Wearing gloves when performing tasks involving water or chemicals, such as washing dishes or gardening, provides a protective barrier for the skin. Trimming nails properly with sharp, clean clippers, cutting straight across and then gently rounding the edges, avoids creating sharp points or jagged edges that can snag skin. Avoiding nail biting and picking habits also significantly reduces the risk of developing these painful skin tears.
Safe Removal and When to Seek Medical Attention
Addressing an existing hangnail safely requires careful attention to hygiene to prevent infection. First, soak the affected finger or toe in warm water for 5 to 10 minutes to soften the skin and the hangnail itself. This makes the tissue more pliable and reduces the risk of further tearing during removal. After soaking, gently pat the area dry with a clean towel. Using a pair of clean, sharp nail clippers or cuticle nippers, carefully snip off the hangnail at its base, ensuring not to pull or tear the skin.
It is important to cut only the detached skin and avoid cutting into healthy tissue to prevent further injury. After removal, apply an antiseptic cream or ointment to the area to minimize the risk of bacterial infection.
While most hangnails heal without complication, certain signs indicate that medical attention may be necessary. If the area around the hangnail becomes excessively red, swollen, or warm to the touch, it may signal an infection. The presence of pus, increasing pain, or red streaks extending from the hangnail up the finger or toe are also clear indicators of a spreading infection, known as cellulitis, which requires immediate medical evaluation. Persistent throbbing pain that does not subside after a day or two also warrants a doctor’s visit.