Why hangnails

If this condition does not clear up within one week, see a doctor. While rare, hangnail infections sometimes spread to other parts of the body. They can also cause the nail to become discolored. A doctor will be able to determine the best type of treatment for the infection you have.

Hangnails are common, especially during cold weather months. Having dry skin, biting your nails, and cutting your cuticles down too low may make you more prone to getting this condition.

Hangnails can hurt, but they can also be prevented by keeping skin moisturized and making some lifestyle changes. Swelling and redness alongside your fingernail may be caused by an infected hangnail. This is different from an infected or ingrown nail. Find out…. Your fingernails can reveal a lot about the state of your health. Conditions ranging from stress to thyroid disease may be causing changes in your…. Ingrown fingernails can often be treated at home, but sometimes they'll require a trip to the doctor.

If you want nails that grow faster, you can start by taking good care of your body and using the following tips. Strong, healthy nails can be an indicator of good health, but sometimes our nails aren't as strong as we'd like.

More serious infections involving pus or abscesses may require medical attention. There are a range of home remedies for dry skin available, including coconut and other oils, oatmeal, and honey. Which ones are effective and how…. A look at nail fungal infection, including who is at risk, common causes, effective treatments, and the symptoms.

Learn more here. Pus is a protein-rich fluid called liquor puris that is filled with dead, white blood cells that the body has sent to fight infection. Pus is a…. There are many reasons why skin might peel on the fingertips, including hand-washing, exposure to chemicals, and changes in the weather.

Some medical…. An ingrown toenail is a painful condition in which the edges of a nail grow into the skin of the foot. It usually affects the big toe. Most people can…. How to treat an infected hangnail. Is it infected? If your hangnail does not improve within two weeks or shows sign of infection, contact your doctor.

Hangnails have the risk of getting infected. If exposed to bacteria or fungus, an infection can develop. To treat an infected hangnail, follow the steps above in treating a normal hangnail followed by the application of a topical antibiotic cream and a bandage to keep the area covered. Typically, an ordinary hangnail does not require a doctor visit. Hangnails are extremely common. 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.

Then apply a lotion to protect skin from drying out even more and creating more hangnails. Look for a lotion with low alcohol and water content—these ingredients will dry out the skin more, he says. Treat inflamed hangnails with ice and over-the-counter pain medication to help with the symptoms, says Dr. An antibiotic ointment in addition to that can help prevent an infection from developing. More severe pain and redness over a larger area can indicate infection.

Another telltale sign: Drainage, or pus. If you have concern that there may be an infection, you should seek medical attention—some skin infections in the fingers can get nasty and be persistent and you may even need oral antibiotics for them. What you can do to protect your hands from hangnails is pretty basic—which means it's super doable. United States.