To prevent the problem form occurring in the first place it is a good idea to moisturize your cuticles on a regular basis. At bedtime is a good time. Use cuticle oil or cream and massage into the skin around the base of the nails. You can also use petroleum jelly.

Also picking at your cuticles can cause hangnail. Picking at your cuticles is a habit, just the same as nail biting and should be avoided.

If you are suffering with hangnails then here are a couple of tips to help ease the discomfort and quickly heal them.

The minute you see a hangnail, clip it off with a pair of nail clippers.

Vitamin E oil is also a great healer for hangnails.

The following tip was sent into easyways
When I get a painful hangnail, I use clay to heal it quicker. I use St. Ives's brand facial mask on the area. It makes a good 'breathable' bandage and lasts all day, even washing your hands. Reapply daily. To remove, just rub gently with your fingertips, under warm water.