Hangnail, Infected Hangnail Treatment and Cure

The majority of nail problems and hangnail infections are caused by improper trimming, minor injuries or repeated nail injury.

Hangnail Definition: A hangnail isn't really a nail at all - it's a piece of loose skin near the cuticle or at the sides of the nails. Hangnails occur most often in dry, flaking, or cracked skin.

I can not think of anyone who actually wants to ruin their nails. Yet in an attempt to keep our nails looking groomed, many of us go overboard. We gouge dirt from under the plate, stab at cuticles with a sharp implement (or worse, cut cuticles away), file nails down to the quick, or pull at ugly hangnails. In short, our good intentions can actually damage our nails.

Treatment for an Infected Hangnail

You may long for perfect-looking nails, or perhaps you couldn't care less how your nails appear. Either way, take note: the less you do to nails and the gentler you are with them - the prettier they will look, the healthier they will be, and the better able they will be to protect your fingers and toes.

Don't manicure or pedicure your nails more than once a week. Throw away anything with a sharp point like metal nail files and metal cuticle pushers. Instead of digging at the dirt under your nails, use soap and a nail-brush to keep nails clean. Do not file your nails so short that you expose the area where the nail bed and nail plate come together.

You must not be tempted to pull at hangnails, because if you do you risk removing long strips of healthy skin. Not only are these raw areas painful, they are unsightly and vulnerable to infection. A better way to remove hangnails is to clip them away with a pair of fingernail clippers.

Invest in a good nail brush with firm bristles and use it to gently scrub your nails clean of dirt.