View source for 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          = 
}}{{More citations needed|date=June 2025}}
A '''hangnail''' is a small piece of [[Human skin|skin]] or nail next to a [[Nail (anatomy)|fingernail]] or [[Nail (anatomy)|toenail]].<ref name="NYTIMES2024" /> Hangnails are typically caused by having [[Xeroderma|dry skin]], trauma to the fingers, or [[ingrown nail]]s.<ref name="NYTIMES2024"/>

==Complications==

Hangnails can become infected and cause [[paronychia]], a type of skin infection that causes inflammation around the nails. <ref name=":0">[https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001444.htm Paronychia], MedLine Plus</ref> Hangnails may also cause pain if pulled as they may remain attached to living skin.

==Prevention ==
Daily use of [[lotion|hand lotion]] (or hand cream) or [[cuticle]] oil may help prevent the formation of hangnails.<ref>[http://www.webmd.com/beauty/nails/treating-a-hangnail-topic-overview Treating a Hangnail - Topic Overview], WebMD</ref><ref name="HabifChapman2017">{{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}}</ref>

==Treatment==
For home treatment, the [[American Academy of Dermatology]] recommends clipping the loose piece of skin with a clean [[nail clipper]] or [[Scissors#Grooming|nail scissors]], and applying [[over-the-counter drug|over-the-counter]] [[antibiotics|antibiotic ointment]] if the area appears [[inflammation|inflamed]]. Persistent hangnails should be evaluated by a [[physician]].<ref>[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</ref>

==References==
{{reflist |refs=
<ref name="NYTIMES2024">{{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.}}</ref>
}}

[[Category:Nails (anatomy)]]
[[Category:Conditions of the skin appendages]]

[[de:Nagel (Anatomie)#Niednagel]]

{{dermatology-stub}}