Why are hangnails so painful

They are made of skin cells that form small tag like projections near the nail. When the skin separates from the surface but still remains attached to the base, hangnail is formed. People who have dry skin get them more frequently. Dryness makes your skin more vulnerable to damage, which leads to skin separation. Hangnails are at end of the nail. There are many blood vessels and nerve ending in this area making this area sensitive. If your hangnail is inflamed, not only will it pain but it will also cause swelling and redness around the nail.

But one should not do so. Ripping off hangnail leaves the tissues inflamed which hurts like hell. Not only it causes inflammation but also makes your finger prone to infection.

Pulling off the hangnail tears some of the normal skin surface which actually keeps out the bacteria. Doing so can also develop an infection in the surrounding skin. Now sanitize the nail cutter with rubbing alcohol and then cut the hangnail close to the normal skin level. Now, moisturise the area with a lotion with less level of alcohol in it.

Moisturizing is important as it protects the skin from drying and lowers the likelihood of hangnails happening again. If you feel the pain is spreading then it may be an infection which needs an immediate medical attention. Please Click Here to subscribe other newsletters that may interest you, and you'll always find stories you want to read in your inbox. A weekly guide to the biggest developments in health, medicine and wellbeing delivered to your inbox.

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All Bombay Times print stories are available on. We serve personalized stories based on the selected city OK. Go to TOI. If the hangnail is at the base of the nail or situated slightly away from the nail, they should use cuticle nippers or fingernail clippers to gently snip it off at the base. You have the power to prevent hangnails, to remove them and to avoid sore fingers altogether. Encourage your clients to keep a sharp pair of nippers or clippers and a file in their purse, briefcase or backpack.

Perfect Your Craft. Good Riddance to a Painful Pest Luckily, there are several safe ways to get rid of a hangnail. Holly L Schippers. More Articles. Those who wash their hands often, pick their fingers or are frequently working with their hands are more likely to get hangnails.

Swelling and redness alongside your fingernail may be caused by an infected hangnail. This is different from an infected or ingrown nail. Find out…. Ingrown fingernails can often be treated at home, but sometimes they'll require a trip to the doctor.

Paronychia is an infection of the skin around your fingernails and toenails. The infection can be caused by bacteria or a type of yeast called Candida. Here are 16 of the best sunscreens on the market in spray, lotion, and solid forms, and for different needs.

They're tried and true. Blue lips are most often caused when something is preventing you from getting enough oxygen into your body.

Read on to discover some of the causes of…. Congested skin refers to skin that becomes bumpy, irritated, and acne-prone. Learn what causes it and how to treat it. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Causes Treatment Risks Seeking medical attention Outlook Overview If you have small piece of torn skin hanging loose next your nail, you have a hangnail.