You likely get bad hangnails primarily due to routinely dry skin around your nails.
Hangnails aren't actually problems with your nails themselves, but rather the skin surrounding your nails. When the skin becomes dry, it can crack and split, leading to those painful and annoying hangnails.
Understanding Hangnails
Hangnails develop when the skin around your nail bed becomes dry and separates from the cuticle. This separated skin can tear and become inflamed, causing pain and potential infection.
Key Causes of Hangnails
| Cause | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Dry Skin | The primary culprit. Dryness causes the skin around the nails to split, resulting in hangnails. |
| Harsh Chemicals | Exposure to cleaning products or other chemicals can dry out the skin, making it prone to hangnails. |
| Cold Weather | Dry and cold air can strip moisture from your skin, increasing the likelihood of hangnails, especially in drier and colder geographic areas. |
| Nail Biting or Picking | Biting or picking at the skin around the nails causes tears and can lead to hangnails. |
| Lack of Hand Care | Ignoring regular moisturizing can exacerbate dryness, leading to more hangnails. |
Preventing Hangnails
To prevent hangnails, you should focus on keeping the skin around your nails moisturized:
- Moisturize Daily: Apply hand cream or cuticle oil every day, especially after washing your hands.
- Keep hand cream near sinks and carry a small tube for on-the-go use.
- Consider a thicker, more intensive moisturizer at night.
- Protect Your Hands: Wear gloves when using cleaning chemicals or working in cold weather.
- Avoid Picking or Biting: Resist the temptation to pick or bite at the skin around your nails.
- Proper Nail Care: Maintain good nail hygiene and avoid overly harsh treatments.
- Hydration: Drink plenty of water to help keep your skin hydrated.
By consistently practicing proper skin and nail care, you can significantly reduce the occurrence of hangnails.
