Hangnails: Causes, Treatments, and Prevention for Healthy Nails

A hangnail is a small, torn piece of skin that sticks out near the edges of your nails. While they may seem minor, hangnails can be painful and, if left untreated, may lead to infections or abscesses (pus buildup).

Most hangnails can be safely removed at home using proper hygiene and sanitized nail clippers. However, improper handling—such as biting or ripping—can worsen the problem and increase the risk of infection.

What Does a Hangnail Look Like?

A hangnail is a jagged piece of skin that commonly appears on the sides or base of the fingernail. While they primarily affect the fingers, they can also form around toenails.

Though small, hangnails can cause discomfort and may lead to redness, tenderness, and even swelling if they become irritated or infected.

What Causes Hangnails?

Several factors contribute to the formation of hangnails. While the exact cause isn’t always clear, certain conditions and habits increase the risk.

1. Dry Skin and Harsh Weather

• Exposure to cold, dry air (especially in winter) makes the skin around nails more prone to cracking and peeling.
• Frequent handwashing or using alcohol-based sanitizers can strip away moisture, leading to dry, brittle skin.

2. Repeated Water Exposure

• Soaking hands in water for prolonged periods (e.g., while washing dishes) softens the skin and makes it more vulnerable to tearing.
• If hands aren't dried properly after washing, moisture can weaken the skin around the nails.

3. Bad Nail Habits

• Biting nails or picking at cuticles can damage the skin, increasing the chances of developing hangnails.
• Cutting cuticles too aggressively removes a protective barrier, leaving the skin exposed to irritation and infection.

4. Thumb-Sucking and Other Habits

• Constant thumb-sucking in children and adults can weaken the skin around the nail, making it more prone to splitting.

Complications of Hangnails

Ignoring a hangnail or handling it improperly can lead to complications, including infections like paronychia—one of the most common nail-related infections.

Signs of an Infected Hangnail (Paronychia)

• Swelling and redness around the nail
• Warmth and tenderness to the touch
• Pus-filled blisters (abscesses)
• Nail discoloration or deformities

In severe cases, infections can spread beyond the nail area, leading to symptoms such as fever, chills, muscle pain, and red streaks along the skin. Rarely, infections may reach deeper tissues like tendons, bones, or even the bloodstream.

How to Treat a Hangnail

Most hangnails can be treated at home with simple steps, but if complications arise, medical attention may be necessary.

At-Home Treatment for Hangnails

1. Wash Hands and Tools – Clean hands with soap and water, and sanitize nail clippers before use.
2. Gently Clip the Hangnail – Use a clean, sharp nail clipper or scissors to remove the loose skin carefully.
3. Apply Antiseptic or Moisturizer – Use antibacterial ointment to prevent infection and keep the area hydrated.
4. Soak for Pain Relief – If the area is swollen or tender, soak your nail in warm water for 10–15 minutes a few times a day.
5. Avoid Further Damage – Never bite, rip, or pick at a hangnail, as this can worsen irritation and increase infection risk.

Medical Treatment for Infected Hangnails

If an infection develops, a healthcare provider may prescribe oral antibiotics or antifungal medication, depending on the cause. In some cases, a doctor may need to drain an abscess or remove part of the nail to prevent further complications.

How to Prevent Hangnails

While hangnails can’t always be avoided, following proper nail care and hygiene can significantly reduce their occurrence.

Best Practices for Hangnail Prevention

✔ Keep Your Skin Moisturized – Apply lotion or cuticle oil regularly, especially after washing hands.
✔ Wear Gloves – Protect hands from excessive water exposure while washing dishes or using cleaning chemicals.
✔ Avoid Nail Biting and Picking – Resist the urge to chew on nails or cuticles, as this weakens the skin.
✔ Trim Nails Properly – Use sharp, sanitized tools to trim nails and avoid cutting cuticles too aggressively.
✔ Use Gentle Hand Soaps – Harsh soaps can dry out the skin, so opt for mild, moisturizing formulas.
✔ Bring Your Own Nail Tools – If visiting a nail salon, use your own sanitized tools to prevent infections.

Extra Precautions for People with Diabetes

Individuals with diabetes are more prone to infections, including paronychia. Keeping blood sugar levels under control and maintaining proper nail care can help reduce risks.

When to See a Doctor for a Hangnail

Although most hangnails heal on their own, certain signs indicate a need for medical attention:

• The hangnail hasn’t healed within a week.
• Redness, swelling, or pain worsens.
• Pus or fluid is present, suggesting infection.
• The nail becomes weak, discolored, or detached.
• You have diabetes and notice signs of infection.

A doctor may drain an abscess, prescribe antibiotics, or recommend further treatment based on the severity of the infection.

Final Thoughts

Hangnails are a common but avoidable nuisance. Keeping your hands moisturized, avoiding bad nail habits, and following proper hygiene can significantly lower the risk of painful hangnails and infections. If a hangnail does appear, treating it promptly and correctly will help prevent complications.

FAQs

1. Can hangnails heal on their own?

Yes, small hangnails may naturally fall off without causing issues, but proper care—such as clipping and moisturizing—can speed up the healing process and prevent infections.

2. What’s the fastest way to heal a hangnail?

Clipping it properly, applying antibacterial ointment, and keeping the area moisturized can help speed up recovery. Warm water soaks can also soothe pain and swelling.

3. Can stress cause hangnails?

Stress itself doesn’t cause hangnails, but habits like nail biting and picking—often triggered by stress—can increase their occurrence.

4. Is it bad to pull off a hangnail?

Yes! Pulling or ripping a hangnail can cause deeper skin tears, bleeding, and infection. Always use sanitized clippers to remove it safely.

5. What is the best moisturizer for preventing hangnails?

Look for lotions or cuticle oils containing ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, vitamin E, or lanolin to keep skin hydrated and resilient.