What should you know about skin around nails splitting and bleeding?

Hangnails and cracks can form where the cuticle meets the sidewall of the nail. Frequent hand-washing, sanitiser, cold air, detergents and nail products may remove protective oils. Biting, pulling a hangnail, manicures or a knock can open the skin further. Eczema or contact dermatitis may cause itch, redness and repeated cracking. A fungal nail infection can change the nail and irritate nearby skin; see Nail Fungus for related information.

Rinse a small break with clean water, apply gentle pressure with clean gauze until bleeding stops, then use a plain fragrance-free ointment and a small dressing. Do not tear or bite loose skin; trim a hangnail with clean clippers. Wear gloves for wet or chemical tasks, but change damp gloves promptly. Pause polish, acrylics and cuticle cutting while the area heals. Moisturise the hands and nail folds after washing.

Arrange prompt medical care if redness, warmth, swelling, pus, throbbing pain or fever develops, or if a wound follows a bite or deep injury. Seek urgent help for bleeding that will not stop with sustained pressure, rapidly spreading redness, severe pain, or reduced finger movement. A clinician can check for paronychia, dermatitis or another nail disorder when cracks recur or fail to settle.

Could this be irritant dermatitis, eczema, paronychia or a nail infection? Which cleanser, moisturiser or dressing suits my skin? Should I stop a nail product or medicine? What signs would mean I need same-day review?