Avoid Picking with Your Mouth: Learn How to Manage Hangnails and Prevent Paronychia.

Have you ever nonchalantly picked at a hangnail by your fingernail and ended up with painful swelling and pus around your nail? This condition could develop into paronychia. In this post, we will discuss how to properly manage hangnails and prevent paronychia to keep your nails and surrounding skin healthy.

 

To prevent inflammation caused by hangnails and maintain healthy nails, proper care is essential.

 

What is Paronychia?

Paronychia is an infection that occurs in the skin and tissues surrounding the nails of the fingers or toes. Major symptoms include swelling, pain, heat, and, in severe cases, pus-filled abscesses. Paronychia often results from improper removal of hangnails or the habit of biting nails.

Main Causes of Paronychia

• Unhygienic Removal of Hangnails: Picking hangnails with your hands or teeth can introduce bacteria.
• Nail Biting: Habitually biting your nails can damage the surrounding skin and lead to inflammation.
• Dry Hands: Dry skin on the hands makes hangnails more likely, providing an entry point for bacteria.
• Frequent Nail Art: Regular nail art can weaken the nails and skin, increasing the risk of infection.

Symptoms of Paronychia

• Swelling and pain
• Warmth around the nail
• Pus-filled abscesses
• Changes in nail thickness
• Rough and uneven nail surface

While mild paronychia can heal on its own, severe cases can significantly affect nail and skin tissues. Diabetic patients need to be particularly cautious as they are more susceptible to infections.

 

Managing Hangnails and Preventing Paronychia

Hangnail Removal Method

Removing hangnails with your hands or teeth is very risky. Instead, use small, sterilized scissors or nail clippers to gently remove them.

Steps to Remove Hangnails

• Sanitize: Clean your hands and tools thoroughly before removal.
• Remove: Gently cut the hangnail with sterilized tools.
• Aftercare: Re-sanitize the area and apply a moisturizer.

Keep Hands Dry

Ensure to dry your hands thoroughly after washing to prevent paronychia. Wear rubber gloves when doing dishes or tasks that involve water.

Limit Nail Art Frequency

Frequent nail art can weaken your nails and skin. Reduce the frequency of nail art and ensure to take sufficient breaks between applications.

Maintain Hand Moisture

Dry hands are more prone to hangnails, so keep your hands well-moisturized with hand cream or oil, especially after washing.

Proper Nail Trimming

Avoid cutting nails too short, as this can lead to injuries and increase the risk of infection. Trim nails to an appropriate length.

 

Treatment for Paronychia

When paronychia occurs, proper treatment is necessary to alleviate inflammation and prevent infection.

Mild Paronychia

Mild cases can heal naturally, but if inflammation worsens, take the following actions.

• Antibiotic Ointment: Apply over-the-counter antibiotic ointment.
• Antifungal Cream: Use antifungal cream if needed to prevent infection.

Severe Paronychia

If inflammation becomes severe or does not improve, visit a doctor. Diabetic patients should seek medical attention even for mild symptoms.

Medical Treatment Process

• Consult a Doctor: Describe symptoms in detail and follow the doctor's instructions for appropriate treatment.
• Professional Care: Receive professional antibiotic treatment or sterilization procedures if necessary.

Maintaining Hand Health in Daily Life

Here are some habits to maintain the health of your nails and surrounding skin.

Regular Moisturization

Apply hand cream or oil regularly to keep your hands moisturized, especially during dry seasons or when washing hands frequently.

Nail Care

Keep nails at a proper length and use sterilized tools for trimming. Work to eliminate the habit of nail-biting.

Maintain Cleanliness

Wash your hands regularly and dry them thoroughly. Use a nail brush to keep the area under your nails clean.

Use Protective Gear

Wear rubber gloves when doing tasks that involve water or chemicals to protect your hands.

Caution with Nail Art

Check the ingredients of nail products and use the least irritating options available. Moisturize your nails and surrounding skin thoroughly after nail art.

 

Conclusion: Proper Care for Healthy Nails

To prevent inflammation caused by hangnails and maintain healthy nails, proper care is essential. Correct bad habits like unhygienic hangnail removal or nail-biting, and ensure thorough moisturization and cleanliness of your hands. If symptoms of paronychia appear, take prompt and appropriate action, and seek professional treatment if necessary.

 

Small habits for maintaining nail and hand health can lead to significant changes. Start practicing proper hand care methods now to maintain healthy and beautiful hands.