Oh, this little skin around the nail has come off... It's really annoying! If you get a hangnail or something, it's unbearable pain, right? This is actually a common but very annoying thing for many of us. Although we call it ' hangnail skin', this is actually a very minor injury. But if not treated properly, this small thing can become a big problem. So today, let's talk about what to do when you get a hangnail, what not to do, and how to prevent it from happening again.
What exactly is a hangnail?
First, let's get this straight. Many people think that this is a piece of the nail that has broken off. But that's actually wrong. A hangnail is not your nail, it's a small piece of skin that has come off the skin around your nail, the nail bed. Although it's very small, it has nerve fibers that make it hurt so much when it hits somewhere.
So why do things like this happen? There are several reasons.
- Dry hands: When the skin loses moisture and becomes dry, the skin around the nails can easily crack and peel off. This is especially common during cold, dry weather.
- Frequent hand washing: Frequent hand washing during household chores, especially when washing dishes or laundry, can strip the skin of its natural oils and dry it out.
- Frequent use of nail polish remover: The chemicals in this can dry out the skin quickly.
- Exposure to harsh chemicals like soap powder and cleaning liquids.
- Nail biting habit: Nail biting can also damage the surrounding skin, leading to conditions like these.
- Sometimes, things like nutritional deficiencies can cause nails to become weak and damage the surrounding skin.
Things we shouldn't do after seeing this!
When we see a hangnail, we can't wait... we want to rip it off. But here are some mistakes you should never make.
1. Don't chew or break it with your mouth: This is the most dangerous thing. The millions of bacteria in our mouths can enter that small wound, causing a very serious infection . Also, germs on your hands can get into your mouth and make you sick.
2. Don't pull it off by hand: When you pull, you will tear the small piece of skin and the healthy skin attached to it even more. This will make the wound bigger, more painful, and more likely to bleed. It will also increase the healing time.
Remember, never pick at the skin around your nail with your mouth or pull it off with your hands! That will only make a small problem bigger.
So how exactly do you cure this?
Don't worry. It's very easy to manage this properly. Just follow these steps.
Step 1: Carefully trim away excess skin
That hanging piece of skin is what's causing the itching everywhere. So we need to remove it first. But not by pulling it like I said before.
- Take a clean nail clipper or small pair of scissors. It's a good idea to clean it with a little rubbing alcohol or disinfectant before using it.
- Now, cut off the hanging piece of skin as close to the skin as possible, but without damaging the healthy skin .
Step 2: Warm Water Soak
After cutting and removing the skin, if there is a little swelling or pain, do this.
- Take some lukewarm water in a clean container. It is essential that the water is clean. If possible, use bottled water. Or, boil tap water well and let it cool down to a level where you can put your finger.
- Soak your injured finger in the water for about 10-15 minutes .
- Doing this two or three times a day will reduce pain, soften the skin, and help keep the area clean.
Step 3: Use antibiotic cream
If there is even the slightest fear that the wound will become infected, this is the best solution.
- Ask your doctor to apply a thin layer of an appropriate antibiotic cream to the wound.
- Then put something like a small Band-Aid on top of it. That way, the cream will stay on the wound and completely prevent dust and germs from entering from the outside.
When should we see a doctor for this?
Usually, a hangnail will heal in a few days with the above treatment. But sometimes, especially if we pull it, break it, and injure it, it can become infected with germs. In medicine, we call this infection around the nail 'Paronychia' .
If you have any of the symptoms below, stop treating yourself at home and see a doctor immediately.
| Symptoms of infection to watch out for | Description and what to do |
|---|---|
| Increased swelling and redness | If the skin around the nail becomes red, swollen, and feels warm to the touch, it may be an early sign of an infection. |
| Pus-filled or blistered | If the wound appears to have white/yellow pus-filled blisters around it, never try to pop it yourself. If pus needs to be removed, this should only be done by a doctor. |
| Unbearable pain | If the pain is getting worse and feels like a throbbing pain instead of decreasing day by day, see a doctor immediately. |
| Change in color of the nail or finger | If the nail or surrounding skin turns a strange color (blue, green, black), it could be a sign of a serious infection. |
In such a case, the doctor will prescribe the necessary antibiotics for you.
How can I prevent these from happening again?
Prevention is better than treatment. To do this, make these simple things a habit.
- Apply moisturizer to your hands: Apply a good moisturizing cream several times a day, especially after washing your hands. It's best to choose a fragrance-free one. Don't forget to apply the cream well to the skin around your nails.
- Wear gloves: Wearing gloves when washing dishes, cleaning the house, or working in the garden can greatly reduce damage to the skin.
- Keep your nails neat: Do not let your nails grow too long, keep them neatly trimmed, and keep them clean.
- Break the habit of biting your nails: Although this may be a little difficult, stopping this habit is very important for the health of your nails as well as your skin.
Take-Home Message
- A hangnail is not a nail, but a piece of skin that has fallen off the nail. Therefore , never pick it off with your mouth or pull it out with your hands.
- If you see anything like that, carefully cut it off with clean nail clippers.
- If the wound is red, swollen, oozing pus, or is in severe pain, it is a sign of infection. If this happens, do not treat it at home and see a doctor immediately.
- Keeping your hands and the skin around your nails moisturized is the best way to prevent these from forming.
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