hangnail
{{Other uses}}
{{Short description|Torn piece of skin next to a fingernail or toenail}}
{{Infobox medical condition (new)
| name = {{PAGENAME}}
| synonyms = Agnail, Stepmother's blessing
| image = Hangnail on left hand pinkie 01.jpg
| width =
| alt =
| caption = The bottom finger has a hangnail.
| pronounce =
| field = dermatology
| symptoms =
| complications =
| onset =
| duration =
| types =
| causes =
| risks =
| diagnosis =
| differential =
| prevention =
| treatment =
| medication =
| prognosis =
| frequency =
| deaths =
}}
A hangnail is a small piece of skin or nail next to a fingernail or toenail. Hangnails are typically caused by having dry skin, trauma to the fingers, or ingrown nails.
Complications
Hangnails can become infected and cause paronychia, a type of skin infection that causes inflammation around the nails. [https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001444.htm Paronychia], MedLine Plus Hangnails may also cause pain if pulled as they may remain attached to living skin.
Prevention
Daily use of hand lotion (or hand cream) or cuticle oil may help prevent the formation of hangnails.[http://www.webmd.com/beauty/nails/treating-a-hangnail-topic-overview Treating a Hangnail - Topic Overview], WebMD{{cite book|author1=Thomas P. Habif|author2=M. Shane Chapman|author3=James G. H. Dinulos|author4=Kathryn A. Zug|title=Skin Disease E-Book: Diagnosis and Treatment|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NTg1DwAAQBAJ|date=4 September 2017|publisher=Elsevier Health Sciences|isbn=978-0-323-44223-7}}
Treatment
For home treatment, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends clipping the loose piece of skin with a clean nail clipper or nail scissors, and applying over-the-counter antibiotic ointment if the area appears inflamed. Persistent hangnails should be evaluated by a physician.[https://www.aad.org/dermatology-a-to-z/for-kids/about-nails/hangnails Hangnails] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150906033501/https://www.aad.org/dermatology-a-to-z/for-kids/about-nails/hangnails |date=2015-09-06 }}, American Academy of Dermatology
References
{{reflist |refs=
{{cite news |last=Helgas |first=Eric |date=March 13, 2024 |title=What’s the Best Way to Get Rid of a Hangnail? |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/13/well/live/get-rid-of-hangnails.html |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 13, 2024 |quote=These pesky skin tears can be a huge pain. Here’s what to do if you get one, and how to prevent hangnails in the first place.}}
}}
Category:Conditions of the skin appendages
{{dermatology-stub}}