Hangnails are a common condition that can be caused by several factors. They occur when a small piece of torn skin hangs loose next to a fingernail or toenail. The main causes of hangnails include:

• Dry skin: Dry hands and nails naturally lead to hangnails, especially during the drier, colder days of winter or with repeated hand washings.

• Trauma: Hangnails can also be caused by trauma such as a paper cut or excessive finger picking.

• Aggressive manicure techniques: Improper use of professional nail products and aggressive manicure techniques can also cause hangnails.

• Cuticle damage: A hangnail is not the actual ‘nail plate’ that’s hanging but rather a portion of the cuticle that has separated. When the cuticle starts to detach and lift from the “tile” of your nail bed, a hangnail is born.

• Other factors: Nail biting, nail picking, damaged nails, swimming pools, and exposure to irritants can also cause hangnails.

Hangnails have the risk of getting infected. If exposed to bacteria or fungus, an infection can develop. Therefore, it’s important to keep your hands clean and free of dirt and debris. Symptoms of infection can include red, puffy skin surrounding the injury, pus surrounding the nail bed or hangnail area, skin feeling hot to the touch, fever or chills, and increased pain or throbbing in the finger. To prevent hangnails, it is recommended to keep your hands moisturized, limit exposure to moisture and irritants, wear gloves, and avoid cutting your nails too short or biting them.