What is a common cause of hangnails?

Hangnails are often caused by dry skin or trauma to the cuticle area. When the skin surrounding the nail becomes dry or is subjected to minor injuries, it can result in small pieces of skin tearing away from the nail, leading to the formation of hangnails. Maintaining proper hydration of the skin around the nails is essential in preventing hangnails, as well as taking care not to damage the cuticle during nail grooming processes.

Other factors like excessive nail filing or improper nail clipping may cause nail or cuticle damage, but they are not the primary causes of hangnails compared to the effects of dryness and trauma. While infections can occur from nail polish, they are not a direct cause of hangnails. Thus, recognizing and addressing skin dryness and protecting the cuticle area are critical for preventing this common issue.