Health Tip: Caring for a Hangnail

(HealthDay News) -- A hangnail -- a small piece of skin that tears away from a nail -- can be annoying, painful and if not cared for, become infected.

The American Academy of Dermatology suggests how to care for a hangnail:

• Never rip off the skin.
• Before touching a hangnail, carefully wash hands with soap and water.
• If the area is sore or red, apply antibiotic ointment and wrap the area with a bandage to protect it from germs.
• If the area doesn't feel better within a few days, see a doctor.