Indian dermatologists reckon they have found a quick and simple solution to the treatment of hangnail.

But their sticky fix seems more DIY than dermatology.

The condition — which despite its name affects the skin of the digit and not the nail — is common, with the torn skin liable to lead to recurrence and infection, the authors write in a two-paragraph paper in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.

“Conventionally, soaking the involved hand in lukewarm water, trimming the hangnail straight, and applying of topical emollients and antibiotics are advised as treatment,” write the authors from the Maharishi Markandeshwar Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Ambala, and the University College of Medical Sciences, Delhi, India.