29.03.2024

How To Get Rid Of Hangnails

Oops! Major nope. You see, this will only worsen the situation as it can get infected when exposed to fungus and bacteria. Yes, it is gross and scary! If you’re hung up on the throbbing pain of that hangnail, we’ve got solutions. Read on to find out more!

Hangnails are a real pain. They tend to tear and bleed, leaving your finger sore and swollen.

If you’re like me, the first thing you do at the sight of a hangnail is resist the urge to pick it…and then pick it anyway.

What Is A Hangnail?

A hangnail refers to that tiny piece of skin which separates from your cuticle. A hangnail is especially painful when it’s still attached to your nail bed or the live portion of your skin.

What Causes Hangnails?

Have you noticed that hangnails tend to occur more frequently during the cold winter months? If you have dry skin, you are even more susceptible to these pesky little suckers. This is because dry skin is more vulnerable to damage caused by harsh soaps, water, and low temperature.

If you notice a hangnail, DO NOT rip it off. This is essential if you want to get rid of it without putting yourself at a higher risk of infection. Here’s what you need to do instead!

What You Need
  1. A large bowl
  2. Warm water
  3. Vitamin E oil/olive oil
  4. Cuticle nipper
  5. Antibacterial ointment
Step By Step Tutorial

Step 1: Fill a large bowl with warm water and soak your fingers in it for 10 to 15 minutes. If you want to moisturize them, add a few drops of olive oil or vitamin E oil to the water.

Step 2: Dry your hand and use a sterilized and sharp cuticle nipper to cut off the base of the hangnail. This will prevent your hangnail from getting caught on things. However, make sure you don’t cut off more skin than required – this can be painful too.

Step 3: Apply an antibacterial ointment to the area to prevent infection. If your hangnail was embedded a little too deep, now is a good time to wrap a band-aid around it.

Step 4: Moisturize the hangnail area with some vitamin E oil multiple times a day until it fully heals. This step is crucial especially after washing your hands. You can also use petroleum jelly, coconut oil or olive oil to moisturize the area and combat dryness.

Hangnails are a pain to deal with. However, there are a few simple things that you can do to ensure you don’t get them in the first place. Just follow the tips given below and you’ll be set!

Tips: A Guide To Preventing And Treating Hangnails
  • Keep Your Nail Beds Moisturized

Dry skin is an invitation for hangnails. It’s important to keep your hands and nail beds moisturized by using either a hand cream or vitamin E oil regularly. It’s a good idea to wear a pair of rubber gloves while washing your dishes to protect your hands from harsh soaps and detergents.

  • Cut Off Hangnails While They Are Short

Instead of ripping your skin off or picking on it, use a cuticle nipper to cut off a hangnail as soon as you spot it. The more you wait, the worse it gets. It is also advisable to trim your nails frequently and to get a manicure regularly. This will prevent hangnail development to a great extent.

  • Stop Biting Your Nails

Biting your nails is a straight-up terrible habit. It damages your nails and the area that surrounds them. This increases your chances of developing hangnails.

  • Get Rid Of Acetone

Nail polish removers that contain high amounts of acetone significantly dry out your hands and nail beds. Chuck them out and try something milder. Use a remover that contains moisturizing ingredients like glycerin and vitamin E.

  • Eat Nutritious Food

Maintaining a balanced diet is crucial for maintaining your overall health (not just to prevent hangnails). Eat foods that are rich in iron and calcium. If you don’t get enough vitamins through your daily diet, consider taking vitamin and biotin supplements.

Hangnails are annoying. They are super common and tend to become a nagging and ongoing problem for many of us. You can solve this problem by making a few changes and taking certain precautions to prevent them. It’s also important to deal with them in the right way. We hope this article comes in handy for you to effectively treat that hangnail. If you have any questions or suggestions, leave them in the comments section below!

Expert’s Answers For Readers’ Questions

How to get rid of hangnails without nail clippers?

If you can’t get your hands on a nail clipper, simply put a band-aid over the hangnail until you get one. It’s the safest and most efficient removal technique. Don’t pick on it or trim it with scissors – it’s not advisable.

How to get rid of an infected hangnail?

Identifying an infected hangnail is easy. It is swollen, red, painful, warm, and may have a pus-filled abscess at the edge of the nail. To get rid of it, soak your hands in warm water for 15 minutes, trim the hangnail, and apply an antibiotic cream to speed up recovery. If you still don’t see any improvement or if the condition worsens, consult a doctor.

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