Hangnails and their risk

[MetalheadRN]

Let me go off and say that I am male so I haven't the slightest clue as to preventing these. I'm on the verge of passing my NCLEX so I am fully expecting to work in the hospital in the near future.

My current issue is this: I can't stop picking at the dead skin around my nail beds and finger tips! I've been doing this for years. I'm sure that it is some kind of nervous tic. This poses obvious health risks as bacteria would love to find their way into this crevices and linger until I end up getting a serious illness. Prevention is key, right? But skin cells will continue to grow and the old ones will need to be shed. I just feel that there's a more uniform way to remove the dead layer that won't leave little snags of skin behind.

What can I do to get out of the habit of picking my dead skin and avoid creating these hangnails??

[amoLucia]

Treat yourself to some scheduled professional manicures. And ask for information how to continue caring for your nails. Not sure if a

dermatologist might be needed.

You are RIGHT. Problem fingernails can pose a serious infection control issue - putting yourself AND your pts at serious risk.

Guys do get prof manicures, too. Just check around for a place that does them for guys.

Off the track here but do any other of us more senior-y members remember that old TV commercial where Madge or Josephine, the plumber (?) used to soak fingers in some green dish detergent?