Summary
Hangnails result from cuticle separation and can occur due to various factors, including dry hands, nail picking, frequent handwashing, or, less commonly, protein deficiency. To treat hangnails, it is advised not to pick at them, but rather to clean the area with alcohol and trim the hangnail with a clean tool, followed by applying ointment. Preventive measures include regularly moisturizing hands and nails with cuticle oil or lotion. The article emphasizes that the right approach to managing hangnails depends on individual habits and skin health.
Hangnails are the worst. They always seem to come out of nowhere and then painfully hang around. But why do we get hangnails in the first place?
Let’s start with what exactly is a hangnail since the name can be a little deceiving. A hangnail is a result of cuticle separation. Cuticle separation, or hangnails, can occur for a variety of reasons:
- You have dry hands. Dry hands and nails lead to hangnails because the cuticles become more fragile, leading to the likelihood of a cuticle separation.
- You pick at or chew your nails. Picking at your nails or chewing your nails can lead to unintentional damage to the cuticles, leading to a hangnail.
- You wash your hands often. Jobs that require often handwashing can lead to an increased risk of hangnails because over washing dries out your skin faster.
- You may have a protein deficiency. A less likely scenario is that you may have a protein deficiency. Your skin and nails are made up of protein. If you are deficient in this nutrient, you may suffer from skin and nail issues.
What should you do if you get a hangnail? First off, do not pick or bite at it. This could lead to further irritation and possibly an infection. Instead, swap the area with alcohol and cut it at the base with a clean cuticle nipper. Dab a small amount of ointment, like Vaseline or Aquaphor, at the base afterward.
Request an appointment with one of our skin and body care specialists today
Find a location near youFor prevention of hangnails, regularly apply cuticle oil or hand lotion to keep your hands and nails properly moisturized.
Do you have a skin, hair, or nail concern?
The board-certified dermatologists at Forefront Dermatology are here to answer and address any of your concerns surrounding your skin, hair, and nail health. Find a location nearest you to schedule an appointment.
About Forefront Dermatology
At Forefront Dermatology, we believe that healthy, beautiful skin is a reflection of overall well-being. That's why we're committed to providing the highest quality skin and body care, backed by cutting-edge technology and a team of world-class experts. In other words, we're always at the forefront of skin and body healthcare.
Our goal isn't just about how you look on the outside. We aim to transform lives.
By delivering industry-leading skin and body healthcare to more people in more places, we move closer and closer to this goal for thousands of people every day.