About Hang Nails

Hangnails are not what they sound like. They are not pieces of nail, but rather pieces of skin that have detached from the nail bed. If you are a frequent sufferer of hangnails, it can be very frustrating and painful. Chronic problems with hangnails may be caused by variety of factors. Pinpointing the cause can help you treat your hangnails and hopefully get rid of this annoying pain.

Description

Hangnails are strips of dead skin that hang loosely from the edge of your fingernail. Hangnails can be pulled off either purposefully or accidentally when they catch on something. They can often result in pain and bleeding, since it is a piece of skin that is still partially attached to the healthy skin.

Causes

Dryness is one cause of hangnails, but frequent nail biting is the biggest cause of hangnails. If you cut your cuticles, that can lead to hangnails as well. If your hands are submerged in water often, such as washing dishes, this too can increase likelihood of hangnails. If you have hangnails often, it may mean that you are not getting enough protein, vitamin C, or folic acid in your diet.

Treatment

When you get a hangnail, get a pair of cuticle scissors and clip it. Just be careful not to clip it too short. Make sure that the tool you use to cut the hangnail is clean and disinfected. If possible, soak your finger in warm water for a few minutes before cutting the hangnail. Cut only the part that is dead skin. You will know when you have clipped it too short, because you will have clipped skin that is not dead and it will bleed. Rub hand lotion and cuticle oil or cream into your cuticles up to three times a day to keep skin moist and avoid hangnails. You may want to put antibiotic ointment and a bandage over any spot from which you clipped the hangnail. This will help ensure it doesn't get infected.

Complications

Remember if hangnails are pulled off, it can lead to an infection. When a hangnail is ripped, the seal between your nail and the nail bed is broken. This leaves a perfect entry point for things like nail fungi and other bacteria. If you have an infected hangnail, you should see your doctor to discuss treatment and prevent the infection from spreading.

Prevention

If you are looking to prevent hangnails, there are a number of steps you can take. First, take proper care of your nails. Give yourself a manicure, or get a manicure every week. Instead of cutting your cuticles when they grow out, try pushing them back with the cuticle tool found in a manicure set. Moisturize your hands regularly to prevent dry and cracked skin. Also, use a cuticle oil or cream regularly, in order to ensure that your cuticles are in good health. If you are a nail biter, you should take necessary steps to stop. Sometimes wearing clothes that have pockets can help with this habit. You can put your hands in your pockets when you think about biting your nails or cuticles. When you are cleaning or washing dishes, try wearing gloves to prevent dryness and damage from harsh chemicals. Your diet should contain enough calcium, Vitamin B, iron, protein, Vitamin E and potassium. All of these nutrients are crucial to the health of your nails and skin. If you are eating a healthy diet, your nails--like the rest of your body--will be healthier. Therefore, hangnails will be less of a problem. Drink the recommended eight glasses of water each day. Sometimes hangnails can be a symptom of dehydration, so make sure you are getting enough water.