GP Jennifer Grant answers your medical queries Keeping nails neat and short reduces hangnail incidence. Photo: Getty Question: I am plagued by hangnails, and they can become very sore. I generally bite or peel them off.
Why do I keep getting them and what can I do to stop them occurring? Dr Grant replies: There are many nail disorders, but brittle nails can give rise to a dull, rough appearance to the surface of the nail plate, make the nail more prone to hangnails, breaking, splitting and peeling. A hangnail is a torn piece of skin next to the nail that can be painful if pulled, as they may remain firmly attached to living skin and can become infected. The exact cause is unknown but is thought to be linked to dry skin conditions and minor trauma to the nail and surrounding skin.
The best way to get rid of them is with a clean nail clippers and seek antibiotic treatment if it looks infected. Join the Irish Independent WhatsApp channel Stay up to date with all the latest news.
