What are hangnails, and why do they easily become infected?

Subject: What are hangnails, and why do they easily become infected?

Date: Wed Apr 8 10:15:00 1998
Posted by April Washburn
Grade level: grad (non-science)
School: NA
City: Lebanon State/Province: KY
Country: USA
Area of science: Anatomy
ID: 892048500.An

Message:


My brothers and I frequently get hangnails, although we try to keep 
our nails properly trimmed at a decent length.  Also, when I pull on 
them, they become infected within a day or two.  Could you explain 
exactly what a hangnail is, and what the body mechanics are behind the 
resulting infection?

Re: What are hangnails, and why do they easily become infected?

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