Final answer:
Hangnails are best treated by softening the cuticle with moisturizer, not with nail clippers, antibiotics, or bandages. It's essential to follow good nail hygiene practices, like regular moisturizing and thorough hand washing, to maintain nail health and prevent infections.
Step-by-step explanation:
Hangnails are treated by softening the cuticle with moisturizer. While other options such as nail clippers and bandages may be associated with nail care, they do not serve the purpose of softening the cuticles. It's important to maintain proper hygiene and health of your nails to prevent infections. To keep cuticles healthy, applying a moisturizer can help, especially after washing your hands, which is important for removing debris or microorganisms under the fingernails. For more severe or persistent conditions affecting the nails or skin, such as athlete's foot or other superficial mycoses, treatment may include antifungal medications, which can be in the form of over-the-counter topical creams, powders, or prescription oral medications.
In general, it is recommended to use gentle soap and care when dealing with hangnails to avoid further irritation. Ensuring regular and thorough hand washing, including under the nails, using liquid soap, can help maintain nail health and prevent the development of nail issues. However, it's good to remember that extracellular enzymes can break down keratin, leading to fungal infections that require specific treatments like clotrimazole, an anti-fungal cream commonly used to treat athlete's foot.