What Causes Hangnails: Insights from Dermatological Research
By Dr. Ashish Bajaj +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr. Ashish Bajaj
Last updated: Apr 18, 2024Click to rate this article!
[Total: 3 Avg: 4.7]
Get more insightful and
helpful tips to
treat Diabetes for FREE
Register to Avail the Offer
Send OTPBy continuing, you agree with our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions
By Dr. Ashish Bajaj +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr. Ashish Bajaj
Last updated: Apr 18, 2024Table of Contents
Despite the name, hangnails aren’t part of your nails, but they are a jagged piece of the skin at the edge of the nail. Hangnails are those pesky little pieces of torn skin around your nails that can cause irritation and even lead to infection. Yet, as common as they are, many people may not understand what causes hangnails or how to prevent and treat them. In this blog, we will uncover the various causes of hangnails and discuss the latest findings in dermatological research. We will also provide some practical tips on how to prevent hangnails, along with effective treatment options for when they do occur. So, let’s dive into the world of hangnails and explore what dermatology has to say!
Did you know?
So, you ask, what exactly are hangnails? Why do they happen and what can we do about them? Before we explore these questions, it’s good to clear up some common myths.
A hangnail is a small bit of torn skin around your nails. It often looks jagged and can hurt if it gets pulled as there are many blood vessels and nerve endings in this part of the nail causing more pain and irritation when pulled. Although called “hangnail,” it’s a skin issue, not a nail problem.
Hangnails are not the same as ingrown nails. When a nail grows into the flesh around it, that’s an ingrown nail. It usually happens on toes. Hangnails happen on fingers and are torn skin, not nails growing wrong.
People sometimes think hangnails mean they don’t wash or care for their hands right. That’s not true. They can happen to anyone. Many things can cause them, not just poor hand care.
Because hangnails are a direct pathway for bacteria to penetrate your skin, they may occasionally cause an infection. I suggest you see a hand surgeon or other specialist to ensure there isn’t an infection if the cuticle gets really red and swollen or if pus or fluid is draining from it. Fingertip infections may spread quickly, so it’s important to consult a doctor as soon as you suspect one.
Dr. Smita barode, BAMS
Hangnails have many causes. Knowing what they are can help you prevent them and deal with them when they occur.
Dry skin is a main cause of hangnails. When skin gets dry and breaks easy, hangnails are more likely. Not drinking enough water can also lead to dry skin. To prevent hangnails, stay well-hydrated and use skin lotion.
Washing your hands a lot can make skin dry. So can strong soaps. To avoid this, use mild hand soap and apply hand cream after washing.
Lack of some nutrients can make skin dry and nails brittle. The main nutrients for good skin and nails are Vitamin B, Vitamin C and iron. Eating a balanced diet keeps your skin and nails healthy.
Biting nails or picking at cuticles can increase the risk for hangnails. You may bite your nails or pick at your cuticles. If so, you could get more hangnails than other people. Try to break these habits to lower your chances of getting hangnails.
Cutting your cuticles too much or too close to your nails can result in torn skin, which can lead to hangnails. Be careful while trimming your cuticles and use the right tools to avoid injury.
Filing your nails wrong can lead to hangnails. Always file in one direction. Do not file back and forth.
In the cold months, dry air can make your skin dry, leading to hangnails. To avoid this, wear gloves and use a humidifier at home.
Things like cleaning agents or strong soaps can be harsh on your skin. This can lead to hangnails. When handling these substances, always wear gloves and try to use products that are not harsh on the skin.
Although your initial instinct might be to “rip” the elevated section of skin off, you shouldn’t do that. Rips in the skin increase the risk of cuticle infections and more rips in the skin at the base. The best course of action is to cut off any dangling skin right at the base with a nail clipper or nail scissors. You can discard this dangling skin as it is generally dead. If there is additional skin hanging off at the root, try not to chop it off. Once the excess skin has been clipped, for the next five to seven days, as the base heals, apply a topical antibiotic ointment such as Neosporin every day.
Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS
If you have hangnails often, some simple steps can help treat and prevent future hangnails.
To start treating a hangnail, trim it right and keep the area clean.
To cut a hangnail, first soak your hand in warm soapy water. Then use clean tools to trim the hanging skin.
After trimming, wash the area with an antiseptic or soap and water. Using an antibiotic cream can protect against infection. If needed, cover the area with a bandaid.
Some simple home treatments and store-bought products can also help treat hangnails.
To help with pain and redness, soak your hand in warm water. This also softens the skin, making cutting a hangnail easier.
Applying a hand cream or cuticle oil can improve dry skin. This promotes healing and helps manage discomfort. Look for products with glycerin, lanolin, or vitamin E.
Putting aloe vera gel or vitamin E oil on the hangnail can soothe the skin, bring down redness and support healing. These are both known for their moisturizing and healing effects.
Also Read: Brittle Nails: Causes, Symptoms, and Proven Solutions
If you want to know how to get rid of hangnails, it is essential not to give in to the temptation to rip the hangnails. Tearing off can worsen the symptoms rather than improving them. Moreover, these habits may also increase the risk of infection. The safest way to remove hangnails follows these steps:
Wash your hands with antibacterial soap.
To avoid getting hangnails, try to take good care of your nails and cuticles.
Taking good care of your nails and cuticles can prevent hangnails. This includes keeping them clean and avoiding biting or picking at them.
To avoid causing damage that could lead to hangnails, always file in one direction. Do not file back and forth.
Using products specially made for cuticles can help keep skin around nails moisturized. This can prevent hangnails from forming.
Eating a balanced diet and drinking enough water can support healthy skin and reduce the risk of hangnails.
Hangnails are simple to avoid. To maintain the greatest possible condition for your hand skin, follow these tips: when cleaning dishes, put on gloves, keep your cuticles intact, steer clear of goods with acetone, such as nail polish remover, every day, moisturise your hands, nighttime, apply a cream that is heavier.
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, MD
Although hangnails can often be treated at home, some may get infected. If this happens, you may also face other problems like bacterial or fungal infections or chronic paronychia (an infection of the skin that surrounds a toenail or fingernail).
It is important to look for signs of a hangnail infection. These can include:
It’s important to know if an infection is bacterial or fungal to get proper treatment. Bacterial infections can come on quickly and get bad fast. Fungal infections tend to grow more slowly.
If you think you have an infected hangnail, you need to take quick action. Although home treatments for hangnails can help mild infections, see a healthcare provider if your infection gets worse or doesn’t get better in a week.
To treat an infected hangnail, follow the steps above in treating a normal hangnail followed by the application of a topical antibiotic cream and a bandage to keep the area covered.
Covering the area may prevent any further infection and keep your wound from infecting others.
Let your healthcare provider see your infected hangnail. You should call your doctor if your hangnail:
Sometimes, your healthcare provider may suggest medicines to treat an infected hangnail. You might get a cream or an oral medicine to fight bacteria or fungi.
Without the right treatment, infected hangnails can cause other problems. They might lead to chronic paronychia, green nail syndrome (an infection of the nails that leads to a greenish discoloration of nails) , or infections that spread in the body.
Understanding what causes hangnails can help you avoid them. Good nail care, keeping skin hydrated and a balanced diet can reduce your risk. If you do get a hangnail, it’s important to care for it right away to prevent problems like infections. Following these tips can help you keep your nails healthy and free of hangnails.
Now let’s explore some common questions about hangnails.
Call your healthcare provider if you have an infected hangnail that isn’t better after a week. If you have severe pain, swelling, pus, or it seems like the infection is spreading, see your doctor right away. The provider can evaluate the need to drain the abscess and initiate oral antibiotics, if necessary.
To keep from getting hangnails, take good care of your nails and cuticles, keep your hands moisturized and eat right. Try to avoid washing hands too much, touching harsh substances and other things that dry your skin.
Yes, not getting enough Vitamin B, Vitamin C and iron can cause dry skin and brittle nails. These can lead to hangnails. Eating well can help keep your skin and nails healthy.
No, doing this could make the hangnail worse and increase your chance of getting an infection. It is better to trim hangnails off using the right method.
Yes, home treatments include warm water soaks, using lotions and cuticle oils, applying aloe vera or vitamin E and proper nail care. These can ease pain and help speed healing.
Hangnails hurt because they expose sensitive skin underneath the nail. When the skin around the nail becomes damaged or torn, it can lead to inflammation and discomfort.
Hangnails can occur due to various reasons such as dry skin, nail biting, frequent exposure to water, or using harsh chemicals. They often result from the skin around the nail becoming dry, cracked, or damaged, leading to the formation of small tears or hangnails.
To heal hangnails quickly, moisturize the affected area regularly to prevent further dryness and irritation. Trim hangnails carefully with clean nail scissors to avoid worsening the condition, and consider using over-the-counter antibiotic ointments to prevent infection and promote healing.
Infected hangnails can pose risks if left untreated, potentially leading to more severe infections or complications. Seeking prompt medical attention is advisable to prevent the spread of infection and avoid potential complications such as abscess formation or systemic infection.
Hangnails are not entirely dead skin, but rather small tears or splits in the skin surrounding the nail. They often occur when the skin becomes dry, cracked, or damaged, leading to the formation of these irritating and sometimes painful protrusions.
Vaseline can help soothe and moisturize dry, irritated skin around hangnails, potentially reducing discomfort. However, it’s essential to address the root cause of hangnails and maintain proper nail and skin hygiene for long-term prevention.
Yes, cuticle oil can be beneficial for hangnails as it helps moisturize and nourish the skin around the nails, reducing the risk of dryness and tearing. Regular application can promote healthy nails and cuticles, potentially preventing hangnails.
Epsom salt can be beneficial for hangnails as it helps to reduce inflammation and promote healing. Soaking affected fingers in warm water with Epsom salt can help soothe the area and soften the skin, aiding in the prevention and treatment of hangnails.
Hangnails themselves are not contagious as they are a result of dry or damaged skin around the nails. However, if the hangnail becomes infected, it may spread to other areas if proper hygiene isn’t maintained.
Hangnails themselves are not typically considered genetic, as they are primarily caused by environmental factors such as dry skin or nail trauma. However, certain conditions that contribute to hangnails, such as brittle nails or certain skin disorders, may have a genetic component.
Yes, hangnails are common and often occur due to dry or irritated skin around the nails. They can happen to anyone and are typically harmless, but proper nail care and moisturizing can help prevent them.
Hangnails are often a sign of dry or damaged skin around the nails, which can result from factors like frequent hand washing, exposure to harsh chemicals, or nail biting. They can also indicate a lack of moisture or certain nutritional deficiencies.
Cutting cuticles excessively or improperly can damage the skin barrier around the nails, increasing the likelihood of hangnails. It’s essential to practice proper nail care techniques and avoid over-trimming to prevent hangnails and maintain healthy cuticles.
Stress can indirectly contribute to hangnails by weakening the immune system and affecting overall nail health. Additionally, stress-related habits like nail biting or picking can increase the risk of hangnails.
Yes, biting nails can cause hangnails as it damages the skin around the nail bed, leading to irritation and tearing. It’s a common habit that can increase the likelihood of developing hangnails and other nail-related issues.
Yes, dehydration can contribute to hangnails as it can lead to dry, brittle skin around the nails, making them more prone to tearing and irritation. Ensuring proper hydration levels by drinking enough water can help maintain skin health and reduce the risk of hangnails.
A manicure can potentially help with hangnails by properly trimming and moisturizing the cuticles, reducing the likelihood of dry, torn skin around the nails. However, it’s essential to ensure that the manicurist uses proper techniques and tools to avoid causing further irritation or damage.
Yes, applying lotion regularly can help prevent hangnails by keeping the skin around the nails moisturized and healthy. Moisturizing helps to soften the skin, reducing the likelihood of dryness and tearing that can lead to hangnails.
Hangnails can go away on their own with proper care, such as keeping the affected area clean and moisturized. However, severe or infected hangnails may require medical attention to ensure proper healing and prevent complications.
Hangnails on toes can occur due to similar causes as those on fingers, such as dry skin, trauma, or nail biting. Poor foot hygiene and ill-fitting footwear can also contribute to the development of hangnails on toes.
Hangnails can be associated with deficiencies in certain vitamins or minerals, such as vitamin C, vitamin B complex, iron, or zinc. Ensuring a balanced diet rich in these nutrients can help prevent hangnails and promote overall nail health.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
Comments