Have you ever experienced the sharp, stabbing pain of a hangnail? If so, you know just how unpleasant they can be. But why do hangnails hurt so bad? In this post, we’ll take a brief overview of hangnails and explore the reasons behind their often intense discomfort.
A hangnail is a piece of skin that has separated from the nail bed, usually at the side or base of the nail. They are often the result of biting or picking at the skin around the nails, or from dry, brittle nails that are prone to cracking.
While hangnails are a common occurrence and generally not a cause for concern, they can be quite painful and even lead to infection if not properly cared for. So, let’s dive into why hangnails hurt and what you can do to prevent or alleviate their discomfort.
The Science Behind Hangnail Pain
The science behind hangnail pain is actually quite complex, and there are a number of factors that can contribute to the discomfort that hangnails can cause.
First and foremost, hangnails can cause pain due to inflammation. When the skin around the nail becomes dry and brittle, it is more prone to cracking and separating from the nail bed. This can lead to inflammation of the surrounding tissue, which can be quite painful.
In addition to inflammation, hangnails can also cause pain due to nerve irritation. The skin around the nails is rich in nerve endings, which can become sensitive and inflamed when a hangnail develops. This can lead to sharp, stabbing pains that can be quite uncomfortable.
There are also a number of other factors that can contribute to the pain caused by hangnails. For example, if a hangnail becomes infected, the pain may be more intense due to the presence of bacteria or other pathogens. Additionally, if a hangnail is left untreated for an extended period of time, the skin around the nail may become swollen and tender, leading to even greater discomfort.
Overall, the pain caused by hangnails is the result of a combination of inflammation, nerve irritation, and other factors. By properly caring for hangnails and addressing any underlying issues, it is possible to reduce the discomfort that they can cause.
Common Hangnail Triggers
1. Dry skin
Dry skin is a common trigger for hangnails, as it can cause the skin around the nails to become dry and brittle. This makes it more prone to cracking and separating from the nail bed, which can lead to the formation of hangnails. Dry skin can be caused by a variety of factors, including cold, dry weather, lack of moisture, and certain medical conditions.
To prevent dry skin from triggering hangnails, it is important to keep the skin moisturized and hydrated. This can be done by using moisturizing hand cream, wearing gloves when washing dishes, and avoiding hot water when bathing or washing hands. By properly caring for the skin, it is possible to reduce the risk of developing hangnails.
2. Nail biting
Biting or picking at the skin around the nails can cause hangnails to form. Nail biting is a common trigger for hangnails, as it can cause the skin around the nails to become damaged and separated from the nail bed. When the skin around the nails is repeatedly bitten or picked at, it can become dry and brittle, which makes it more prone to cracking and separating. This can lead to the formation of hangnails, which can be quite painful.
3. Improper nail care
Neglecting to properly care for the nails, such as by not using moisturizing hand cream or wearing gloves when washing dishes, can lead to dry, brittle nails that are more prone to hangnails. Improper nail care is another common trigger for hangnails, as it can cause the nails to become dry and brittle. When the nails are not properly moisturized and protected, they are more prone to cracking and separating from the nail bed.
4. Cold, dry weather
Cold, dry weather can cause the skin to become dry and brittle, which can lead to hangnails. Cold, dry weather is another common trigger for hangnails, as it can cause the skin to become dry and brittle. When the skin is exposed to cold, dry air, it can lose moisture and become prone to cracking and separating from the nail bed.
5. Certain medical conditions
Some medical conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis, can cause dry, brittle skin that is more prone to hangnails. Certain medical conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis, can be a trigger for hangnails due to the dry, brittle skin that they can cause.
When the skin becomes dry and brittle, it is more prone to cracking and separating from the nail bed, which can lead to the formation of hangnails. These medical conditions can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, environmental triggers, and other underlying health issues.
6. Nutrient deficiency
A deficiency in certain nutrients, such as biotin or zinc, can lead to dry, brittle nails that are more prone to hangnails. When the nails are not properly nourished, they can become dry and brittle, which makes them more prone to cracking and separating from the nail bed.
7. Nail polish remover
Using nail polish remover excessively or without properly moisturizing the nails afterward can cause dry, brittle nails that are more prone to hangnails. Using nail polish remover excessively or without properly moisturizing the nails afterward can be a trigger for hangnails due to the dry, brittle nails that it can cause.
Nail polish remover contains harsh chemicals that can strip the nails of their natural oils, leading to dry, brittle nails that are more prone to cracking and separating from the nail bed.
By understanding the potential triggers of hangnails, it is possible to take steps to prevent them from developing in the first place.
How to Prevent Hangnails
1. Moisturizing the Skin
One of the most effective ways to prevent hangnails is to keep the skin moisturized and hydrated. When the skin is properly moisturized, it is less prone to cracking and separating from the nail bed, which can help to prevent the formation of hangnails. Use a moisturizing hand cream. Applying a moisturizing hand cream to the skin around the nails on a regular basis can help to keep the skin hydrated and prevent hangnails from forming.
2. Properly Trim the Nails
Properly trimming the nails is another effective way to prevent hangnails. When the nails are properly trimmed, they are less prone to cracking and separating from the nail bed, which can help to prevent the formation of hangnails. Here are a few tips for properly trimming the nails to prevent hangnails:
- Use sharp scissors or clippers: Using sharp scissors or clippers to trim the nails can help to prevent tearing or damage to the nail bed, which can lead to hangnails.
- Trim the nails straight across: Trimming the nails straight across rather than rounded can help to prevent hangnails from forming at the corners of the nails.
- Avoid biting or picking at the nails: Biting or picking at the nails can cause damage to the nail bed, which can lead to hangnails. It is important to avoid these habits to prevent hangnails from forming.
- Use a file to smooth any rough edges: After trimming the nails, use a file to smooth any rough edges to prevent hangnails from forming.
3. Wear gloves when doing tasks that can damage the nails
Wearing gloves when doing tasks that can damage the nails, such as gardening or washing dishes, can help to prevent hangnails from forming.
4. Avoid biting or picking at the nails
Biting or picking at the nails can cause damage to the nail bed, which can lead to hangnails. It is important to avoid these habits to prevent hangnails from forming.
5. Practice good hygiene
Proper hygiene can help to prevent hangnails from becoming infected. This includes washing hands regularly and keeping the nails clean and trimmed.
6. Consult a healthcare professional
If you are experiencing frequent hangnails or are unable to prevent them from occurring, it may be helpful to consult a healthcare professional for further advice and treatment.
How to Treat Hangnails
If you have a hangnail, it is important to properly manage it to prevent infection and further discomfort. Here are a few steps to follow for treating hangnails:
1. Soak the affected area
Soaking the affected area in warm water for a few minutes can help to soften the skin and make it easier to remove the hangnail.
2. Trim the hangnail
Use a clean pair of scissors or nail clippers to carefully trim the hangnail. Make sure to trim the nail straight across to prevent tearing or damaging the nail bed.
3. Smooth any rough edges
Use a file to smooth any rough edges on the nail to prevent further irritation.
4. Apply an antibiotic ointment
To prevent infection, apply an antibiotic ointment to the affected area.
5. Keep the area clean
It is important to keep the area clean to prevent infection. Wash your hands regularly and avoid biting or picking at the hangnail.
6. Use pain relief
To alleviate pain, you can use over-the-counter pain relief medication or apply a cold compress to the affected area.
When to See a Doctor
While hangnails are usually not a serious health concern, there are certain situations in which it may be necessary to see a healthcare professional for help. Here are a few signs that you may need to see a doctor for hangnails:
1. Infection
If a hangnail becomes infected, it is important to seek medical attention. Signs of infection may include redness, swelling, warmth, and pain at the site of the hangnail.
2. Extreme pain
If the hangnail is causing extreme pain that cannot be managed with over-the-counter pain relief medication, it may be necessary to see a healthcare professional for further treatment.
3. Persistent hangnails
If you are experiencing frequent hangnails that do not go away with proper treatment, it may be helpful to consult a healthcare professional for further advice and treatment.
4. Underlying medical condition
If you have an underlying medical condition that may be contributing to the development of hangnails, such as eczema or psoriasis, it may be helpful to see a healthcare professional for treatment of the underlying condition.
Should you pull out a hangnail?
No, it is not recommended to pull out a hangnail, as this can cause further damage to the nail bed and increase the risk of infection. It is best to trim the hangnail carefully with clean scissors or nail clippers and apply an antibiotic ointment to prevent infection. If the hangnail is causing extreme pain or does not go away with proper treatment, it may be necessary to see a healthcare professional for further treatment.
Is a hangnail skin or nail?
A hangnail is a piece of skin that has separated from the nail bed and hangs off the finger or toe. It is not part of the nail itself, but rather a piece of skin that has become damaged or separated from the nail bed. Hangnails can be painful and annoying, but they can usually be managed with proper treatment and care.
How long does hangnail pain last?
The pain from a hangnail can vary in duration and intensity. In general, the pain from a hangnail should improve within a few days of proper treatment. If the hangnail becomes infected or the pain persists, it may be necessary to see a healthcare professional for further treatment.
What is the difference between a hangnail and ingrown nail?
A hangnail is a piece of skin that has separated from the nail bed and hangs off the finger or toe. An ingrown nail, on the other hand, occurs when the nail grows into the skin, causing pain and inflammation. Hangnails can usually be managed with proper treatment and care, while ingrown nails may require more extensive treatment, such as the removal of the affected nail.
Conclusion
Hangnails can be a painful and annoying problem, but fortunately, there are steps that you can take to prevent and manage them. By keeping the skin and nails moisturized, properly trimming the nails, avoiding biting or picking at the nails, and practicing good hygiene, you can reduce the risk of developing hangnails.
When a hangnail does occur, it is important to properly remove it and take steps to prevent infection and alleviate pain. If you are experiencing frequent hangnails or are unable to prevent them from occurring, it may be helpful to consult a healthcare professional for further advice and treatment.
By following these tips, you can maintain healthy, strong nails and prevent the discomfort that hangnails can cause.
Sources
1. You Should Never (Ever) Rip Off a Hangnail
https://www.menshealth.com/health/a19547021/hangnail-treatment/
2. Why Are Hangnails So Painful?
https://www.medicinenet.com/why_are_hangnails_so_painful/article.htm
3. What Causes Hangnails?
https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/648941/what-causes-hangnails
