Buzz
Hangnails are irritating skin tears that form when a small piece of skin separates from the cuticle or fingernail. Despite their small size, hangnails can cause considerable discomfort if they catch on clothing or hair. Moreover, there's a risk of hangnails becoming infected, underscoring the importance of proper care and removal to avoid deep cuts, scarring, swelling, and infections.
Procedures
Treating Hangnails
Soften your fingers with a soak. Immerse your fingers in warm water for approximately 10 minutes. The warmth of the water will aid in softening your skin and nails, facilitating the removal of the hangnail.
- You may enhance the moisture of your soak by adding a few drops of vitamin E oil or olive oil.
Trim your hangnail. Utilize clean and sharp cuticle nippers to snip off the hangnail. Aim to cut as close to the base of the hangnail as feasible. The nearer the cut to the base, the lower the risk of the hangnail catching on items like clothing.
- Avoid tugging or ripping at the hangnail, as this may cause uneven tearing and further aggravate the area. Pulling at the hangnail could also lead to bleeding.
- Avoid cutting excessive skin or nail beyond necessity, as this may result in a deep cut susceptible to infection.
Administer antibacterial ointment. Apply antibacterial ointment to the hangnail area to eradicate and prevent bacterial contamination while promoting healing. A small quantity is sufficient to cover the entire affected region.
- If the hangnail is deep, consider applying a bandage to prevent potential infection.
Hydrate the hangnail area. For minor, shallow hangnails, massage vitamin E oil onto the affected area. Vitamin E is readily absorbed and highly moisturizing. Additionally, regular application of moisturizer to your hands can prevent dry, brittle cuticles that contribute to hangnail formation.
- Apply oil or moisturizer multiple times daily, particularly after exposure to hot water and handwashing.
- Various moisturizers like petroleum jelly, honey, olive oil, and coconut oil can effectively combat hangnails while keeping your hands supple and hydrated.
Preventing Hangnails
Maintain nail bed hydration. Dryness is the primary cause of hangnails, so it's crucial to keep your hands moisturized by applying deeply penetrating lotions and oils regularly.
- Regularly use cuticle oil to moisturize the skin surrounding your nails, as dryness increases the likelihood of tearing.
- Thoroughly dry your hands after exposure to water, as water can exacerbate irritation and discomfort.
- Stay hydrated by consuming an adequate amount of water throughout the day.
- Consider wearing rubber gloves when handling detergents or water to prevent hands from drying out due to exposure to soap and water.
Address hangnails promptly. Rather than exacerbating skin irritation by picking at your cuticles, promptly trim hangnails when they're still short. Employ sharp cuticle nippers or nail scissors for efficient skin trimming. This practice prevents hangnails from catching on clothing and causing deeper tears.
- Trim the hangnail straight with your nipper, then lift it upward. Avoid pulling downward, as it may cause skin tearing.
- If the hangnail area becomes red and swollen, it may indicate an infection. In such cases, initiate treatment by soaking the affected area in warm water three times daily. If there's no improvement after a few days, consult your doctor, as antibiotics may be necessary.
Avoid nail biting and picking. Nail biting damages both nails and surrounding skin, increasing the likelihood of developing hangnails.
- Putting fingers near or in your mouth increases the risk of hangnail infections due to oral bacteria.
- Avoid picking at cuticles, as it may result in raw or bleeding cuticles, increasing the risk of nail or skin infections.
- If nail biting is a habit, consider applying nail polish to deter chewing.
Regularly trim your nails. Use nail clippers to maintain nail length and prevent hangnail formation. Additionally, use an orange stick to gently push back cuticles and prevent them from growing onto the nail. Repeat this process monthly.
- An orange stick is a thin manicuring tool with one angled edge for pushing back cuticles and one pointed edge for cleaning under nails.
- Consider trimming nails after softening them with warm water to facilitate cutting.
- A regular manicure aids in maintaining healthy nails and controlling nail growth.
Avoid acetone-based nail polish remover. While acetone effectively removes nail polish, it can excessively dry out hands and nails, leading to hangnail formation. Opt for less harsh polish removers containing ingredients like ethyl acetate, isopropyl alcohol, or propylene carbonate.
- Choose polish removers with added conditioners like glycerin and soy to prevent excessive drying.
Maintain a balanced diet. Consume foods rich in iron, calcium, and B-vitamins to strengthen nails and prevent hangnails. Ensure adequate hydration by drinking at least 8 glasses of water daily.
- Consider taking vitamin supplements if your diet lacks essential nutrients.
- Biotin supplements aid in nail strength. Consult your doctor before starting any supplement regimen.
