Never Have a Hangnail Again
Sep 28th, 2007 by computeradmin
A hangnail is a loose piece of torn skin near a fingernail or a toenail. It is not a piece of nail that is hanging loose. Actually, it is just dry, dead skin. You will have a hangnail when a tiny part of the skin near your fingernail or toenail splits off and hangs loose, and when this catches on to something it may cause big time pain. A hangnail is always a source of bother and discomfort. But if nothing else, it is unattractive. If not removed, or treated the wrong way, it could lead to infections and complications. You should get rid of a hangnail as soon as possible to avoid pain and possible infection later.
What causes hangnails?
A major cause behind your having a hangnail is usually dryness of the skin around the fingernail or toenail. It could also be a result of a bad nail biting habit, in the case of fingernails, that is. In some instances, the occurrence of hangnails may be a general family trait.
The best way to deal with a hangnail is to cut it off very carefully, by using a nail clipper or nail scissors, taking special care to avoid ripping off additional surrounding skin. If you do not take this extra precaution and neglect the damage caused to the surrounding skin, you may be inviting avoidable and painful nail disease called paronychia. Before clipping the hangnail, it is best to soften it first by soaking it in a little plain water. You can also soak it in a solution of warm water and olive oil or bath oil. It is easy to make this solution by adding two tablespoons of olive oil (or a couple of capfuls of bath oil) to a small bowl of luke warm water. By softening the hangnail this way, clipping it becomes easier. Another precaution worth taking before clipping the hangnail is to wipe the nail clippers or scissors clean and to rub a little alcohol on the instrument. After cutting the hangnail, take care to put on an antibacterial ointment.
Preventing hangnails
To prevent hangnails from occurring in the first place, taking a few precautions will help. First you have to attack dehydration. You can do this by drinking lots of water. Make it a habit. It is good to drink 8 to 10 glasses of water per day for maintaining your general health as well. Another way to prevent dehydration of the skin around the fingernails and toenails is to apply a good hand moisturizing cream to your cuticles and nails, regularly. Moisturizers without alcohol are better than those with alcohol.
Give your cuticles regular attention. A periodical manicure done by an expert may be a useful luxury. But you can always depend upon self-help. Take care to protect your fingers, nails and cuticles on a daily basis by using rubber gloves, whenever you have to do the dishes in the kitchen or some manual work in the garden.
With these preventive steps, you will never have a hangnail again.