A hangnail is a small, torn piece of skin or nail next to a fingernail or toenail.

[1] Hangnails are typically caused by having dry skin, trauma to the fingers, or ingrown nails.

[1] Hangnails can become infected and cause paronychia, a type of skin infection that causes inflammation around the nails.

[2] Hangnails may also cause pain if pulled as they may remain attached to living skin.

[3][4] For home treatment, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends clipping the loose piece of skin with a clean nail clipper or nail scissors, and applying over-the-counter antibiotic ointment if the area appears inflamed.