How to Stop Biting Hangnails
Hangnails aren't nails at all. Instead, they are small strips of skin that start to move away from the cuticle, separating from it. While they aren't dangerous, they can be unsightly, and they may get caught on something and tear off. For these reasons, some people choose to clip them. Others bite them instead, an act that can become a hard-to-break habit.
Things You'll Need
- Cuticle stick
- Moisturizer
- Work gloves
- Rubber gloves
- Cuticle scissors
- Cloth gloves
Instructions
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Prevent Hangnails
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1
Using a cuticle stick, gently push your cuticles back towards the skin just below the base of your nails. Do this periodically, being careful to avoid damaging the cuticle.
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2
Moisturize your hands, especially your cuticles, several times each day. According to CreatingPerfectNails.com, dry hands are more likely to develop hangnails.
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3
Wear gloves when performing household maintenance chores like working on your car or gardening. Sturdy work gloves can help prevent your hands from becoming dry and rough.
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4
Wear rubber gloves when you wash dishes or use cleaning products. The chemicals in cleaning products, combined with hot water, are a recipe for dry hands and hangnails.
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5
Drink plenty of water each day. Inadequate hydration may contribute to dry skin and the development of hangnails.
Stop Biting Hangnails
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6
Cut your hangnails, using a pair of cuticle scissors, as soon as you notice them. If they aren't there, you cannot bite them.
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7
Lather your hands with a moisturizer that has a nasty taste. If you taste it each time you bite, you may be less likely to keep up the habit.
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8
Don clothes that have pockets. Whenever you think about biting your hangnails, put your hands in your pockets instead.
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9
Wear cloth gloves whenever possible. This will make your hands harder to get to and may discourage biting.
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10
Develop a new habit to replace biting hangnails. For example, you may try chewing sugarless gum each time you feel the urge to bite your hangnails.
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Tips & Warnings
Create a reward system. If you do not bite your hangnails for, say, four hours, give yourself a reward. Gradually increase the amount of time you go between biting, until you no longer feel the urge.
Always disinfect your tools before clipping a hangnail. This may help to prevent infection. Dabbing a little antibiotic cream or ointment on the area from which you clip a hangnail may help as well.
Having a regular manicure may help you to keep your hands in good shape and reduce your chances of developing hangnails. However, you don't have to pay for expensive manicures. You can purchase a manicure kit and give yourself regular manicures at home.
Moisturize your hands with a hand cream or special cuticle cream before you push your cuticles back. This should make the job easier.
Biting your hangnails can cause a rip in the skin surrounding it. If bacteria makes its way into the wound, you could develop an infection.
Avoid clipping the hangnail too close to your healthy skin. If you cut it too short, you may experience some pain and bleeding.
