Hang nails...

[Sebum]

Just to clarify, are hang nails the piece of the nail that stick out from the sides and are kinda sharp? I just wanna make sure... Anyway, how do I stop them from "hanging"? Should I pull them off? Leave them alone? Should I put anything on it? I have jojoba oil.

Also, what can I do to help the skin on my fingers grow faster? I always pick the skin off my fingers, it's a very bad habit.

Thanks.

[Marti]

Hangnails are not actually a part of the nail plate, but are hardened skin from the lateral nail fold where it touches the nail plate. DO NOT pull them off as they are skin, and the result would be a broken seal between the nail plate and the nail bed where bacteria or fungal spores can enter the space between the plate and the bed and set up housekeeping (turn into a full blown infection.) Soak the affected fingers in warm water for 3 minutes, then carefully nip the 'hanging' skin with a pair of sharp nippers, but be sure not to cut into the living flesh. Apply your jojoba oil to the nails and surrounding skin and massage in at least twice daily. Apply more often if you have your hands in water a lot, or if you use household cleaning solutions without wearing protective gloves, or if you work with a lot of paper or textiles. These things can wick the natural oils and moisture from your skin resulting in split, dry cuticles and hangnails. Jojoba will also help to heal the skin -- especially if you add a little vitamin E oil to the mixture.