SALT LAKE CITY — Do you have hangnails? You're not alone. These annoying, sometimes painful, torn pieces of skin at the root of your fingernails or toenails are very common.

They can also become very dangerous if not treated correctly.

What causes hangnails?

Hangnails are a sign that the skin around your fingernails is lacking oil. Anything that causes dry skin — such as winter weather, harsh chemicals, handling material or crafts, or washing your hands a lot — will also deplete oil in your skin and contribute to hangnail growth.

Biting your nails can also lead to hangnail growth. This is because nail biting causes a weaker nail bed, which triggers hangnail growth.

Prevention and treatment

Preventing hangnails is easier said than done, but the following steps can help:

Ask Nurse Suzy

Do you have a question for Nurse Suzy, or maybe a topic you'd like her opinion on? Email her at nursesuzyksl@gmail.com.

• Stop biting your fingernails.
• Moisturize your hands with lotion several times a day.
• Use cuticle oil on your nail beds daily or weekly.
• Avoid abrasive soaps and chemicals.
• Clip hangnails, rather than biting them off.
• Get a manicure once in a while and avoid artificial nails.
• Eat a well-balanced diet (this helps your skin and nails stay healthy).

If you already have hangnails, the best way to treat them is to follow these simple steps:

1. Soften the hangnail by soaking your finger for 10 to 15 minutes in clean, warm water. Then message baby oil (or olive oil) into your fingers.
2. Clip the hangnail with cuticle scissors or nail clippers that are clean. Many times we forget to clean our nail clippers between uses, which can spread bacteria.
3. After the hangnail is removed, remember to wash your hands frequently to prevent infections. If your hands become dry from frequent hand washing and hand sanitizer use, apply an antibacterial lotion several times a day.

Hangnail infections

It is common for hangnails to become infected due to the bacteria and germs our hands come in contact with daily. But the danger comes when an infection doesn't go away within a few days.

Related:

Mommy Medicine: A common but deadly infection

While cellulitis is a common bacterial infection, it is a staph infection — and it is deadly. Here are some tips on how to identify the dangerous

If the area around your hangnails becomes red and infected, Sarah Siddons at howstuffworks.com suggests (and I agree) that you soak the area in warm, soapy water several times a day. If the redness and swelling do not go away within a day or so, seek medical help.

Cellulitis is a common bacterial infection that can spring from hangnails, and the only treatment for it is antibiotics.

Fungal infections are also a problem related to hangnails. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, "Sometimes germs can invade your nail or the skin underneath the nail and cause a serious infection. The most common type of germ that causes nail infections is called fungus."

Once you have a fungal infection in your nails, there is no cure. People with nail fungus must rely on fungal treatments to reduce flare-ups.

Suzanne Carlile, "Nurse Suzy," has been a nurse since 1982. Her main focus is critical care and nursing education. She holds a master's degree in nursing, is a Certified Emergency Nurse, and a member of NNSDO Intermountain West Chapter.

Related topics