What should you do if you encounter a hangnail?

When encountering a hangnail, the best course of action is to carefully trim it. This approach prevents further tearing of the hangnail, which can lead to painful situations or potential infections. Proper trimming helps maintain the health of the surrounding skin and nail area, ensuring that the nail and cuticle remain intact and free from further issues.

Ignoring a hangnail may allow it to worsen, leading to discomfort or infection. Forcefully pulling it off can cause unnecessary pain and damage to the surrounding tissue. Applying nail polish to conceal a hangnail does not address the underlying issue and can sometimes exacerbate the problem by trapping bacteria. Therefore, careful trimming is the most effective and safe solution for dealing with hangnails.