Hangnails are not actual parts of the nail but small strips of thickened skin that peel off from the base or side of the fingernail. Though common, they can become painful—especially when infected. Patients often seek treatment only after hangnails develop swelling, redness, or pus.

Preventing hangnails starts with protecting the skin around your nails from dryness, irritation, and trauma. Here’s a dermatologist-recommended step-by-step guide to help you prevent and manage hangnails effectively.

1. Protect Your Nails from Harsh Chemicals

Many common nail care practices can damage the delicate skin around the nails. These include frequent use of nail polish removers, UV lamps, nail hardeners, and driers. In addition:

• Always wear gloves when washing dishes, doing laundry, gardening, or using household cleaning products.

• This not only prevents hangnails but also protects the hands from dermatitis and dehydration.

2. Break the Nail-Biting Habit

Biting your nails traumatizes the nail folds, leading to hangnails and infection. While quitting the habit can be challenging, try the following tips:

• Apply nail polish or bitter-tasting nail deterrents to discourage biting.

• Nail paint that chips when bitten can serve as a visual cue to stop the habit.

• Keep nails trimmed and neatly filed to reduce temptation.

3. Never Cut or Push Back the Cuticle

The cuticle acts as a protective seal between the nail plate and skin, shielding the nail matrix from infection. Cutting or pushing it back compromises this barrier.

• Avoid removing or trimming cuticles during manicures.

• Use a cuticle oil or softener if dryness is present, but do not disturb the cuticle structure.

4. Moisturize Regularly

Dry skin is one of the primary causes of hangnails. Keeping the hands and nail folds hydrated helps maintain skin integrity.

• Apply moisturizer or hand cream after washing hands and before bed.

• Ingredients like petrolatum, coconut oil, glycerin, and shea butter are particularly effective.

• Keep small tubes of moisturizer in your purse, bathroom, kitchen, and work desk for frequent use.

5. Do Not Pull Hangnails—Trim Them Carefully

Although tempting, never pull or bite off a hangnail, as it can tear deeper into the skin and cause bleeding or infection.

• Use a pair of clean cuticle scissors or nail clippers to gently snip the hangnail at its base.

• Follow up with a dab of antibacterial ointment and moisturizer.

6. Try Oil Soaks for Hydration

A weekly nourishing oil soak can help soften the skin around the nails:

• Soak your fingertips in warm coconut or sunflower oil for 5–10 minutes.

• Wrap hands in a warm towel afterward to enhance absorption.

• Pat dry and apply a rich moisturizer to seal in hydration.

7. Recognize and Treat Infections Early

If a hangnail becomes red, swollen, painful, or starts to ooze pus, it may be infected.

• Apply an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment like mupirocin or fusidic acid.

• Cover the area with a clean bandage to prevent further irritation.

• If symptoms do not improve within 2–3 days—or if fever or spreading redness occurs—consult a dermatologist promptly.

By following these steps consistently, you can reduce the occurrence of hangnails and prevent complications. Healthy nail folds are a sign of good hand care—and keeping them intact helps preserve the overall health and appearance of your nails.