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Hangnail

A hangnail is a strip of skin that separates from the side of the cuticle. A torn hangnail may become tender and swollen, and infection may develop.

A hangnail may be treated at home by trimming the skin of the hangnail with a pair of clean scissors. A hangnail should not be bitten or pulled off, as the skin may tear.

Last Revised: October 12, 2010

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine & H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine

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