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Hangnail
A hangnail is a strip of skin that separates from the side of the cuticle. Trim the skin of the hangnail with a pair of clean scissors. Do not bite or pull at a hangnail, because the skin may tear. A torn hangnail may become tender and swollen, and infection may develop.
Treating a hangnail
A hangnail is the strip of skin that separates from the side of the cuticle. Simple home treatment can help prevent problems with hangnails.
- Do not pull at or bite off a hangnail.
This may cause the skin to rip.
- Clip off the hangnail neatly with sharp, clean cuticle scissors.
- Massage hand lotion or cream into your cuticles 2 to 3 times each day.
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