Cold weather and frequent hand washing can lead to common problem with nails

Why do hangnails occur

A hangnail is a small piece of skin that appears at the edge of the nail. It is quite a common condition that can be painful.

They often form when the skin around the nails becomes dry and damaged. Common causes include cold weather, frequent handwashing, or exposure to harsh chemicals.

People who bite their nails or pick at the skin are also more likely to develop hangnails. They can also occur if you have brittle nails or if your hands are frequently in water.

How to treat hangnails at home

You can avoid hangnails at home by following these recommendations:

• Soak your fingers – Start by soaking your fingers in warm soapy water for about 10 minutes to soften the skin.

• Trim carefully – Using disinfected nail clippers or small scissors, carefully trim the nail near the skin. You may be tempted to pull the raised piece of skin, but you should avoid doing this. Tearing the skin could cause further damage and increase the risk of infection.

• Apply moisturizer – Use a fragrance-free moisturizer or petroleum jelly to keep the skin around the nails hydrated.

• Dress if necessary – If the area is painful or bleeding, use a band-aid or a bandage to protect it from infection.

What does a hangnail on a finger look like (photo: Wikipedia)

How to prevent

The best way to prevent hangnails is to keep the skin around your nails healthy and moisturized.

Do not bite your nails

Biting your nails or picking at the skin around them can lead to tears and infection. Instead, carefully trim your nails with a clean tool and avoid cutting your cuticles.

Protect your hands with gloves

When washing dishes, wear gloves. Also, use protective gloves while cleaning, working in the garden, or spending time outdoors in cold weather.

It’s important to note that if the protective barrier around the nail is damaged, an infection can develop. This condition is known as acute paronychia and includes the following signs:

• Redness - the skin around the nail becomes red and inflamed.
• Swelling - the affected area may appear swollen.
• Hot to the touch - the infected skin may feel warm or hot.
• Pus - yellow or brown discharge from the wound may indicate the infection is progressing.

Earlier, we reported that brittle hair and nails can be signs of a serious condition.

This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.