Why is a hangnail so painful?

Why is a hangnail so painful?

Hangnails are often seen at the end of a digit near the nail. There are many blood vessels and nerve endings in this part of the nail. Hangnails also cause inflammation and swelling that may press on the nerve endings. As a result, it can lead to more pain and irritation.

What is the cause of hangnails?

Hangnails are very common and can be caused by several things. Many people experience hangnails when their skin is dry such as during the drier, colder days of winter or with repeated hand washings. Hangnails can also be caused by trauma such as a paper cut or excessive finger picking.

How do you stop a hangnail from hurting?

Follow these steps for home treatment:

1. Soak the infected area in warm water once or twice a day for 20 minutes.
2. After your initial soak, cut the hangnail off.
3. Rub vitamin E oil or cream on the affected area to prevent another hangnail.
4. Use a topical antibiotic cream on the infected hangnail for a few days.

How do you get rid of a deep hangnail?

Soften the hangnail with warm, soapy water. You can also apply mineral oil or petroleum jelly very gently to the area in a circular motion. Give the hangnail around 10 minutes to soften. Use a sanitized nail clipper or cuticle scissor to cut off the hangnail.

How do you drain an infected hangnail?

To drain an infected hangnail, a doctor will:

1. Numb the area.
2. Lift the nail fold with an instrument to allow the pus to drain away. A surgical incision is rarely necessary.
3. Wash the area thoroughly.
4. Place a gauze strip into the abscess.
5. Prescribe an oral antibiotic.

Why do I get hangnails after I cut my nails?

“Hangnails occur when small portions of skin get a tear near the cuticle,” Collyer says. “They can result from a variety of things, like biting your nails, a bad manicure, dry skin, using harsh soap and detergents, cold temperatures, and ‘waterlogged’ hands.” (Like when you’re in the pool too long.)

What does it mean when you have a hangnail on your nail?

If you have small piece of torn skin hanging loose next your nail, you have a hangnail. Although it would be logical to think it is a condition that affects the nail — since hangnail has the word “nail” in it — a hangnail is specifically a skin condition. What causes hangnails? Hangnails are very common and can be caused by several things.

What’s the difference between a hangnail and a cuticle?

“The term hangnail is actually a misnomer, as it is not the actual ‘nail plate’ that’s hanging but rather a portion of the cuticle that has separated,” she says. (So you know when the side of your nail looks like it’s peeling? THAT is a hangnail.)

What’s the best way to take care of hangnails?

Instead, if you do notice a hangnail, follow these steps to take care of it. First, take a warm shower to soften your skin. Sanitize a fingernail clipper or nail scissors with rubbing alcohol, and then cut the hangnail off close to the normal skin level, says Dr. Jacobs.

Can a hangnail infection spread to other parts of the body?

While rare, hangnail infections sometimes spread to other parts of the body. They can also cause the nail to become discolored. A doctor will be able to determine the best type of treatment for the infection you have.