Hangnails, those tiny, jagged pieces of skin that can form along the edges of your nails, may seem like a minor nuisance, but they can quickly become a bigger problem if not properly managed. Often caused by dry skin, improper nail care, or environmental factors, hangnails can lead to discomfort, pain, and even infection if left untreated.
Preventing hangnails is not just about avoiding pain—it's also crucial for maintaining the overall health and appearance of your nails. Healthy, hangnail-free nails not only look better but also contribute to your overall sense of well-being. In this blog post, we'll explore effective strategies to help you avoid hangnails and keep your nails looking their best.
What Are Hangnails?
Hangnails are small, torn pieces of skin that appear near the edges of your fingernails or toenails. Despite the name, hangnails aren't actually part of the nail itself; instead, they are bits of skin that have partially detached from the cuticle area.
They can develop when the skin around your nails becomes dry or damaged, causing it to split or tear. Hangnails are often painful, especially when they catch on something, and they can become infected if not properly cared for. While they may seem like a minor issue, hangnails can be a source of significant discomfort and can detract from the overall appearance of your nails. So what factors can cause hangnails to appear?
Image source: WIKIHOW
What Causes Hangnails?
Hangnails are often caused by a variety of factors that can cause the skin around your nails to dry, tear, or crack. Here are some common causes:
Dry skin
The most common cause of hangnails is dry skin. When the skin loses moisture, it becomes brittle and prone to cracking, which can lead to hangnails.
Nail biting or picking
If you have this habit, be careful. Biting or picking the skin around your nails can damage the cuticle and surrounding skin, causing hangnails. And this habit can also increase the risk of infection.
Frequent hand washing or sanitizing
I believe everyone has experienced this. Excessive hand washing or excessive use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers can make our hands very dry. This is because the skin on our hands loses moisture, leading to dry skin and the formation of hangnails.
Environmental factors
Exposure to cold, dry air or water can cause the skin to lose its natural oils, making it more likely to form hangnails. This is especially common in the winter when humidity is low.
Poor Nutrition
This is probably a less well-known reason. A lack of essential nutrients in the diet, especially vitamins A, C, and E, can cause dry, brittle skin and make it more likely to develop hangnails.
How to Avoid Hangnails
Moisturize Regularly
Keeping your hands, cuticles, and the skin around your nails well-moisturized is one of the most important steps in preventing hangnails. Use a rich hand cream or cuticle oil, especially after washing your hands, to lock in moisture and keep the skin soft and supple.
Practice Proper Nail Care
Regularly trim your nails and gently push back your cuticles instead of cutting them. Use clean, sharp manicure trim and care tools to avoid damaging the skin around your nails. Avoid biting your nails or picking at your cuticles, as this can lead to hangnails and infections.
Protect Your Hands in Cold Weather
Cold, dry air strips your skin of moisture, making it more susceptible to hangnails. Wear gloves when you go outside in the winter to protect your hands from the elements.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
I think there are roughly two types of acetone that you will come into contact with in your life: one is the cleaning products, detergents and alcohol-based hand sanitizers that you will use in your life. If you must use these products, please wear gloves to protect your skin. Choose mild, moisturizing hand sanitizers and disinfectants to reduce skin dryness.
The other is the chemical solvents used to remove nail polish and glue. Acetone can cause dehydration of nail cells, making nails dry or brittle. If you need to remove some nail polish, try to use acetone-free methods to protect your cuticles.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking enough water throughout the day helps keep your skin hydrated from the inside out. Dehydration can lead to dry, cracked skin, which is more prone to developing hangnails.
How To Treat Hangnails When They Occur
If you’ve already got a hangnail. What’s next? We’ll tell you.
Step1: Soak Your Hands
Start by soaking your hands in warm, soapy water for about 10-15 minutes. This softens the hangnail and surrounding skin, making it easier to treat.
Step2: Gently Trim the Hangnail
Using a clean pair of sharp cuticle scissors or nail clippers, carefully trim the hangnail as close to the base as possible. Avoid pulling or ripping it off, as this can cause more damage and increase the risk of infection. If this happens on your dominant hand, you’ll need to ask your family, friends, or roommates for help.
Step3: Apply an Antibacterial Ointment
After trimming the hangnail, apply an antibacterial ointment or cream to the area to prevent infection. Cover the area with a bandage if the hangnail is deep or if the skin is irritated.
Ste4: Moisturize the Area
Keep the skin around the hangnail well-moisturized to help it heal faster. Apply a rich hand cream or cuticle oil several times a day, especially after washing your hands.
Ste5: Avoid Picking or Biting
Resist the urge to pick at or bite the hangnail, as this can worsen the problem and lead to infection. Allow the area to heal naturally.
Ste6: Protect the Area
If the hangnail is on a finger that you use frequently, consider covering it with a bandage while it heals to protect it from further irritation or injury.
Notice: Treat Infections Promptly
If you notice signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or pus, seek medical attention. You may need a topical or oral antibiotic to clear the infection.
Do Manicure or Nail Art DIY Cause Hangnails?
I believe that many people who pay attention to nail care are also fans of nail art. For those who often try DIY manicure or go to nail salons, we all hope to have a pair of healthy, beautiful hands without barbs. But for those who often try nail art, there are also some points to note:
The first is to be careful when applying nail polish, because if the nail polish sticks to the skin, wait for it to dry before peeling it off, the skin will become dry and prone to barbs.
In addition, when the size of the false nails you use is not suitable for your fingers, the large nail plate and the cuticle will rub against each other, and barbs are likely to appear at this time. This situation can also occur with low-quality press-on nails. Of course, don't worry, the quality of the press-on nails we provide is guaranteed, and when choosing nails, our service team will also give you the most suitable size recommendations.
Finally, I’m sure we’ve all learned that taking the time to prevent hangnails is an important step in keeping your nails healthy and beautiful. By keeping your skin moisturized, taking gentle care of your nails, and protecting your hands from the elements, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of hangnails. Not only will this help you avoid the discomfort and potential infection associated with hangnails, it will also improve the overall appearance of your hands.
Remember, consistent care is key to keeping your nails strong, smooth, and free of pesky hangnails. Make your nail health a priority today and enjoy the confidence that comes with well-maintained, hangnail-free hands.
Sources:
How to Heal Hangnails Fast | wikihow
How to Heal Hangnails—and Prevent Them in the First Place | GQ
What’s the Best Way to Get Rid of a Hangnail? | The New York Times
