Hangnail

Small, torn piece of skin near a fingernail or toenail

Hangnail
Specialty	Dermatology
Symptoms	Pain, redness, swelling
Complications	Infection
Causes	Dry skin, nail biting, frequent hand washing
Prevention	Moisturizing, avoiding nail biting
Treatment	Trimming, moisturizing, antiseptic
Prognosis	Good with proper care
Frequency	Common

A hangnail is a small, torn piece of skin near a fingernail or toenail. Despite its name, a hangnail is not a problem with the nail itself. Hangnails are common and can be painful, especially if they become infected.

Causes

Hangnails are typically caused by dry skin, which can result from frequent hand washing, exposure to harsh chemicals, or cold weather. Other common causes include nail biting and improper nail care.

Symptoms

The primary symptoms of a hangnail include:

• Pain around the affected area
• Redness and swelling
• Possible bleeding if the hangnail is torn off

Complications

If a hangnail is not properly treated, it can lead to an infection known as paronychia. This infection can cause increased pain, swelling, and pus formation around the nail.

Prevention

Preventing hangnails involves maintaining proper nail and skin care. Some preventive measures include:

• Regularly moisturizing the hands and cuticles
• Avoiding nail biting and picking at the skin around the nails
• Using gloves when exposed to harsh chemicals or when washing dishes

Treatment

Treatment for a hangnail includes:

• Trimming the hangnail with clean, sharp scissors or nail clippers to prevent further tearing
• Applying a moisturizing lotion or cuticle oil to the affected area
• Using an antiseptic to prevent infection if the hangnail is torn or bleeding

See also

• Nail (anatomy)
• Paronychia
• Dermatology