What can cause hangnails?

• A. Over-moisturization
• B. Dry skin or trauma to the cuticle area
• C. Exposure to chemicals
• D. Improper nail clipping

Answer: (B)

Hangnails are typically small, jagged pieces of skin that occur at the base of the nail, often resulting from dry skin or trauma to the cuticle area. When the skin around the nail is dehydrated or injured, it is more prone to tearing and developing hangnails. These can often be exacerbated by factors such as environmental conditions, habitual nail biting, or improper grooming practices that lead to stress on the cuticle.

While over-moisturization can sometimes lead to issues with the skin around the nails, it more commonly causes soft or overly hydrated skin, making it less likely to tear and form hangnails. Exposure to chemicals may damage nails and surrounding skin, but it's not a primary cause of hangnails. Lastly, improper nail clipping can lead to trauma, but it doesn’t directly address the essential role of skin health and hydration in the development of hangnails. Thus, the primary cause identified as dry skin or trauma accurately reflects the most common origins of hangnails.