If you get a hangnail, you should not attempt to rip or pull it off. If you pull on it, you may pull off additional skin that will open more inner skin layers to bacteria. This can also aggravate the hangnail area, which can cause it to become red and slightly inflamed.

Should you remove hangnails?

Don't rip off the hangnail, as it can worsen the condition. If your symptoms worsen or don't clear within a week, consult your doctor. You should also consult your doctor if you're experiencing severe pain, major swelling of the finger, excessive pus, or other signs of infection.

Should You Leave hangnails alone?

But one should not do so. Ripping off hangnail leaves the tissues inflamed which hurts like hell. Not only it causes inflammation but also makes your finger prone to infection. Pulling off the hangnail tears some of the normal skin surface which actually keeps out the bacteria.