What Is Hangnails: Causes, And Ways To Get Rid Of

A hangnail or agnail is a piece of partly detached skin that hangs loose around your nails. In simple words, it is a jagged piece of skin that hangs near your nail that tends to appear right below or on the side of your nail bed.

Agnails are generally found on the fingernails, sometimes on toenails as well. Hangnails can irritate and become inflamed and infected, even oozing pus if allowed to fester unattended.

Indeed they are small, but do not go on their size as these small ripped skin has full potential to bring discomfort. In extreme cases, they bring pain and redness, too.

Although the exact cause of agnails is unknown, here are some possible behaviors that triggers the condition-

• Protein Deficiency

Proteins like keratin are essential for the strength and integrity of the nail bed and surrounding skin. When the body lacks sufficient protein, nails become brittle, and the skin around them dries out.

Hence, the area is prone to cracking and forming hangnails. Therefore, consuming inadequate protein on a daily basis or having protein deficiency can lead to the development of agnails.

These proteins can be found in eggs, salmon, onion, sweet potato, and more.

• Dry Hands

Dryness is when your skin loses its moisture and becomes rough and cracked. With this, it progresses to be more susceptible to irritation. 

Now, if you are wondering how do your limbs get dry despite you applying lotions and hand creams? This dryness can be caused by exposure to harsh weather, or lack of hydration.

In this case, instead of just using any random lotions, invest in a hand cream that has organic emollients which properly moisturize your skin and keep your hands soft and healthy.

• Pick at or Chewing Your Nails

Picking at or chewing your nails is a harmful habit that can lead to a chain of problems. Yes, that includes hangnails, infections, and weakened nail structure.

This behavior damages the nail bed and surrounding skin, causing irritation and making the area more susceptible to splitting. Additionally, it can introduce bacteria, increasing the risk of infections and further complications.

Thus, breaking free from this habit is essential for healthier nails and overall hand hygiene. 

• Washing Your Hands Often

As we discussed earlier that dryness is a possible factor that gives hangnails. And frequent hand washing leads to dryness which eventually can give you rugged fingers and cause agnails.

Hangnail symptoms typically include a small, jagged piece of skin that separates from the edge of the nail, often causing redness and tenderness around the area.

You may also experience mild swelling, irritation, or pain, especially when the hangnail catches on clothing or objects. 

Though seemingly minor, hangnails can pose several risks if not managed properly in time. They can further progress to painful infections, such as paronychia.

Paronychia happens when bacteria or fungi enters via the broken skin. This may result in swelling, pus formation, and increased pain.

Additionally, frequent picking or tearing at hangnails can cause further skin damage, slow healing, and even more hangnails, perpetuating a cycle of discomfort and potential infection.

Here are a few tricks to help you remove hangnails from your fingers and toes.

1. Use an Antibacterial Soap

When you start noticing hanging piece of skin, replace your normal beauty soap with an antibacterial one. Because clean hands are essential in preventing further complications and ensuring the affected area stays sanitary. 

What antibacterial soap does is, it helps to remove dirt, bacteria, and other harmful microorganisms that could potentially infect the hangnail. 

2. Soak the Affected Finger in Warm Water

To ease the discomfort and makes the affected area more manageable, try soaking the finger in warm water for 10-15 minutes.

As soaking softens the skin and reduces inflammation, you can also add a bit of gentle soap or Epsom salt to further help soothe the skin and cleanse the area.

3. Moisturize Your Hands

Always wipe your hands after washing, showering, or doing household chores. Do pat your hands dry and apply a generous amount of moisturizer to maintain skin elasticity and prevent dryness.

Look for creams or lotions with nourishing ingredients like shea butter, aloe vera, or vitamin E for added hydration.

4. Gently Clip the Hangnail

Using clean, sharp nail clippers, carefully trim the hangnail close to its base. Avoid pulling or tearing the hangnail, as this can lead to more pain and increase the risk of infection.

Be gentle to ensure you don't cut too deep or damage the surrounding skin.

5. Apply a layer of Antibiotic Cream

Apply a small amount of antibiotic cream to the area after clipping the hangnail. This step might seem necessary but this cream speeds up the healing process and prevents infection.

Just cover the treated area with a bandage if necessary, especially if it might come into contact with dirt or bacteria.

6. Wear Gloves While Doing Chores

We all know that over exposure to harsh chemicals, detergents can worsen the condition of your nails. Hence, gloves act as a barrier, keeping your hands safe and helping to maintain moisture levels.

It not only protects your hands while washing dishes or cleaning, it also saves you from touching the disgusting gooey things that might cringe you out.

Stay Hydrated

Proper hydration helps maintain skin elasticity and reduces dryness. So, drink plenty of water daily to keep your skin hydrated from within. 

Protect Your Hands from Cold Weather

Wear gloves to shield yourself from harsh weather conditions, which can lead to dry, cracked skin and increase the risk of agnails.

Don’t Use Your Nails as Tools

Stop using your nails to open packages, scrape surfaces, or perform similar tasks. This can cause stress on the nails and skin.

Don’t Cut Your Cuticles

Keep away from picking at or pushing back cuticles aggressively. Instead, use a soft cuticle pusher and also soak your fingers with warm water before doing so. Also, never cut your cuticles, because this can lead to irritation and hangnails.

Use Cuticle Oil

Regularly applying cuticle oil with natural ingredients like jojoba or almond oil, nourishes and strengthens the cuticles, keeping them soft and reducing the likelihood of developing agnails. 

Avoid Using Acetone Products

Acetone and formaldehyde found in nail polishes and removers can dry out nails and surrounding skin. So, it is best to opt for products that are more organic and chemical free.

When to See a Healthcare Provider?

You should see a healthcare provider for hangnails in the following situations:

• In case of intense pain.

• If the area remains red, swollen, and painful despite home care.

• The presence of pus, yellow or green discharge, or an unusual odor indicates an infection. It might need prescription antibiotics or drainage.

• Red streaks spreading from the agnail up the finger could signal a serious infection, like cellulitis, which requires immediate medical intervention.

• If you experience fever, chills, or swollen lymph nodes, these could be signs of a more severe infection that needs prompt medical attention.

• Experiencing frequent hangnails despite preventive measures. This indicates an underlying health issue, such as nutritional deficiencies or skin conditions, warranting a healthcare provider’s assessment.