Hangnails are a common yet annoying problem. These extra bits of dry skin can be unsightly to look at and cause pain if they're left untreated. They are usually caused by skin dryness from frequent exposure to nail polish remover, cleaning products, and temperature extremes.
Although it’s tempting to bite or pull them off, that can lead to painful inflammation and infection. Fortunately, there are simple steps you can take to get rid of hangnails quickly and safely without causing any further damage to your hands.
What Is the Fastest Way to Heal a Hangnail?
When dealing with a hangnail, start by washing your hands to prevent contamination. If the hangnail is on your foot, wash that, too.
Then relax and enjoy soaking the hangnail-afflicted finger or toe in warm water for ten minutes. This softens the skin around your nail and reduces pain associated with trimming the skin.
What Manicure Tools Will You Need?
After soaking, use an orange stick or other tool to gently push back cuticles surrounding the nail bed.
If you don’t make a regular habit of disinfecting your manicure tools, now is a good time to start. Let them sit in rubbing alcohol while you soak the hangnail.
Cuticle Pusher
A stainless steel cuticle pusher is ideal as it's reusable and can be sanitized to prevent infected hangnails. This handy tool is perfect for manicures and pedicures, helping you keep your nails looking neat and trim. With its slim design and textured non-slip handle, it fits comfortably in your hand for maximum control.
Cheri Nail Cuticle Nipper T03-16
The sharp blades of this stainless steel cuticle nipper allow for pain-free clipping of cuticles and hangnails without any tearing or snagging. Thankfully, the specially designed handle works equally well for left and right-handed users. Plus, the double-spring action does all the hard work, ensuring easy cutting and shaping of nails and cuticles.
Nail Clipper Carbon Steel - FLAT
Clippers are not ideal for trimming hangnails because it’s usually hard to get them into tight spots. However, they are far better than biting off dead skin with your teeth or pulling it down into the quick. This durable pair of carbon steel clippers has a wide mouth to trim all sizes of nails. Furthermore, they are corrosion-resistant and acetone-proof.
How to Trim the Hangnail
If you don't have cuticle nippers, use a sharp pair of fingernail scissors once you've sanitized them. Soaking them in rubbing alcohol will get rid of germs that could infect the hangnail.
Once you have done this, trim off the excess skin with manicure scissors, nippers, or clippers. Remove as much of the dead skin as possible without injuring yourself.
Then, apply a moisturizer or a thin layer of petroleum jelly over the spot.
If the hangnail is bleeding, don’t use rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide because those will further dry out the skin and slow down the healing process.
Instead, staunch the bleeding with a clean tissue and apply antibiotic cream if needed. Otherwise, put on a thin coat of fragrance-free moisturizer or a bandage if the injury is painful or prone to bleeding again.
How to Prevent New Hangnails from Happening in the Future
You may be able to completely avoid hangnails in the future with these simple tips.
Proper Fingernail Care
The key to preventing hangnails is to keep the skin moisturized and healthy.
One trick is to wear gloves when washing dishes or cleaning to avoid exposing the skin to harsh chemicals and drying soaps.
When you go outdoors in cold weather, also wear gloves or mittens. Exposure to cold temperatures causes the skin to dry out faster.
Keep your nails trimmed and filed. This prevents snags among other problems.
Manicure Travel Kit
Stop digging through the drawer to find all the tools you need. Instead, clippers, a cuticle pusher, a nail file, scissors, and more store neatly in this handy, attractive pouch.
Instead of cutting cuticles, push them back with a cuticle pusher or an orange stick. It’s easy to do right after a shower when the skin is damp and soft.
Blue Cross Cuticle Remover
Cuticle softener or remover is an excellent way to manage cuticles without having to trim them and risk creating hangnails. This nearly odorless formula is enhanced with lanolin and oil to prevent dryness.
Then, if regular lotion isn’t keeping your hands moisturized, try an emollient cream or use petroleum jelly. Thick creams and oils work best on damp skin so they can seal in moisture.
You might also give your hands and feet a spa treatment for extra hydration.
VOESH - Collagen Gloves
These collagen-infused gloves only need 15 minutes to rejuvenate dry skin. But we suspect you’ll want to wear them longer since they leave the skin silky smooth and pampered. They are packed with vegan ingredients like argan oil and shea butter.
When it comes time to remove your manicure, limit your exposure to acetone because it dehydrates the skin. Try alternative polish removers or switch to a type of polish that can be removed more easily.
Another option is to only apply the acetone where it’s most needed.
OPI Expert Touch Removal Wraps
Use these professional nail wraps to focus the acetone only on the nails instead of soaking the fingers in the liquid.
You might also enjoy using an exfoliant cream on your hands especially around the cuticles to get rid of dead skin.
And don’t forget to apply cuticle oil after each manicure.
Blossom Cuticle Oil
This extra-moisturizing oil features the soothing scent of lavender. The same brand also offers cuticle oils with the enticing aromas of jasmine, honeysuckle, rose, or hibiscus.
When Does a Hangnail Need Medical Attention?
You may be in need of medical treatment if you have swelling or pus around the nail bed or a discolored nail or finger.
Final Thoughts
In a perfect world, you'd never get a hangnail. While that may not be realistic, there are ways to prevent hangnails and reduce how often you get them. Practice good nail hygiene and stay moisturized, especially in the winter months.
Source:
https://www.webmd.com/beauty/how-to-treat-a-hangnail How to Treat a Hangnail, Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors, Reviewed by Dan Brennan, MD on April 19, 2021