Why Do Hangnails Happen? Causes and Prevention Tips

Hangnails are small but mighty annoyances that can cause serious discomfort. These tiny tears of skin at the edge of your nail bed can be painful, bleed, and even lead to infection if not treated properly. But why do they happen, and more importantly, how can you prevent them? Here’s everything you need to know about hangnails and how to keep them at bay.

What Exactly Are Hangnails?

A hangnail isn’t actually part of your nail. It’s a small piece of torn skin that forms along the side of your fingernail. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, they occur when the skin around the nail bed becomes dry or damaged, leading to a jagged piece that can snag on fabric or other surfaces.

Common Causes of Hangnails

Several factors can contribute to the formation of hangnails:

1. Dry Skin
   Dry, cracked skin is the most common cause of hangnails, especially during cold winter months. Low humidity and harsh weather conditions can deplete the moisture in your skin, making it more prone to tearing.

2. Nail Biting and Picking
   If you’re guilty of biting your nails or picking at the skin around them, you’re at a higher risk for hangnails. This bad habit damages the cuticles and surrounding skin, increasing the likelihood of tears.

3. Frequent Hand Washing or Exposure to Chemicals
   Overwashing your hands or using cleaning products without gloves can strip away natural oils, leaving your skin dry and prone to hangnails.

4. Poor Nail Care
   Neglecting your cuticles or using harsh nail tools can damage the skin around your nails, leading to hangnails.

How to Safely Remove Hangnails

Resist the urge to bite or rip off a hangnail. Doing so can tear the skin further, cause bleeding, and increase the risk of infection. Instead, follow these steps:

1. Soak the affected finger in warm water for 10 minutes to soften the skin.

2. Sanitize a pair of cuticle scissors or nail clippers with rubbing alcohol.

3. Gently trim the hangnail as close to the base as possible without cutting the surrounding skin.

4. Apply an ointment like Aquaphor or Vaseline to keep the area moisturized and protected.

5. Cover with a bandage if the area is sensitive or painful to prevent picking or snagging.

If the skin around the hangnail is red, swollen, or painful, apply a thin layer of over-the-counter antibiotic ointment to prevent infection.

Warning Signs of Infection

Hangnails can become infected if bacteria or fungus enter through the broken skin. This condition, known as paronychia, can cause:

• Redness and swelling around the nail

• Pain and tenderness

• Pus or drainage

If symptoms persist or worsen, see a dermatologist or healthcare provider for evaluation and treatment.

How to Prevent Hangnails

The best way to deal with hangnails is to prevent them from forming in the first place. Here’s how:

1. Keep Your Hands Moisturized
   Apply lotion or cuticle oil regularly to keep the skin around your nails hydrated. Pay special attention to the nail beds and cuticles. During colder months, consider using a heavier hand cream or ointment for added moisture.

2. Wear Gloves
   Protect your hands from harsh chemicals and excessive moisture by wearing rubber gloves when washing dishes or cleaning. This minimizes dryness and irritation.

3. Don’t Bite or Pick
   Avoid the temptation to bite your nails or pick at your cuticles. If this is a habit, consider using a bitter-tasting nail polish to discourage the behavior.

4. Practice Good Nail Hygiene
   Regularly trim your nails and cuticles with sanitized tools to prevent jagged edges that can turn into hangnails.

When to See a Doctor

If you frequently get hangnails despite good nail care or if a hangnail becomes painful, swollen, or shows signs of infection, consult a dermatologist. In some cases, a dermatologist can use surgical glue to seal severe hangnails and promote healing, according to a 2019 study in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.

The Bottom Line

Hangnails may be small, but they can cause significant discomfort if not handled properly. By keeping your hands moisturized, avoiding bad habits like nail biting, and practicing good nail hygiene, you can reduce your chances of getting hangnails.

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