| Hangnail | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Agnail, Stepmother's blessing |
 | |
| The bottom finger has a hangnail. | |
| Specialty | Dermatology |
Ahangnail is a small, torn piece ofskin or nail next to afingernail ortoenail.[1] Hangnails are typically caused by havingdry skin, trauma to the fingers, oringrown nails.[1]
Hangnails can become infected and causeparonychia, a type of skin infection that causes inflammation around the nails.[2] Hangnails may also cause pain if pulled as they may remain attached to living skin.
Daily use ofhand lotion (or hand cream) orcuticle oil may help prevent the formation of hangnails.[3][4]
For home treatment, theAmerican Academy of Dermatology recommends clipping the loose piece of skin with a cleannail clipper ornail scissors, and applyingover-the-counterantibiotic ointment if the area appearsinflamed. Persistent hangnails should be evaluated by aphysician.[5]
These pesky skin tears can be a huge pain. Here's what to do if you get one, and how to prevent hangnails in the first place.
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