What should you avoid doing if a client has a hangnail?

Avoiding pulling or tearing a hangnail is crucial because this action can lead to further injury, pain, and potential infection. When a hangnail occurs, the skin around the nail becomes separated, and pulling on it can exacerbate the damage and cause the skin to tear. This may introduce bacteria into the open wound, leading to issues such as swelling, redness, and even pus formation. Instead, it is best to gently trim the hangnail using sanitized tools, as this minimizes trauma to the surrounding skin and helps prevent complications. Moisturizing the area can also be beneficial in promoting healing and reducing the chances of future hangnails, and applying nail polish is generally acceptable as long as the area is handled properly.