If you have ever felt a sharp pain around your nail, most likely it was a hangnail. Hangnails are extremely common and there is a good likelihood that you have had one at some point. A hangnail is a small piece of skin, resembling torn skin near the nail, that is still rooted at the base. These occur commonly on fingernails and less commonly on toenails.
The reason that they hurt so badly simply comes down to their location. Hangnails can cause inflammation, so the swelling can put pressure on the nerve endings near the nail and cause more pain.
* Do not yank on the hangnailThe single worst thing you can do with a hangnail is to yank on it. Tearing the hangnail from its anchor point can pull off part of the skin surface opening up a wound for bacteria to enter. Hangnails can be annoying, but pulling on them is not the solution. Leaving them alone will help prevent inflammation and potential infections.
* Moisturizing is keyDry skin is the number one major cause of hangnails, thus moisturizing should be the number one solution. Especially in colder months, taking proper care of your hands and nails can reduce the risk of hangnails appearing. Moisturizing will also help prevent your nails from becoming dry and brittle, which can lead to more problems than just hangnails.
* Protect your handsWork or hobbies that are very hands-heavy can lead to drying or damage resulting in hangnails. Wearing protective gloves to avoid wear and tear during even washing dishes will go a long way in reducing the risk of hangnails.