A home remedy for a hangnail typically involves soothing the affected area and carefully removing the excess skin, followed by moisturizing to promote healing.
Hangnails, those small pieces of skin that tear away from the side of your nail, can be painful and sometimes lead to infection if not properly managed. Fortunately, several simple steps can be taken at home to address them, according to information from February 15, 2018.
Here are the common home remedies for dealing with a hangnail:
Effective Steps to Treat a Hangnail at Home
Managing a hangnail effectively involves preparing the skin, carefully removing the hangnail itself, and then protecting the area.
1. Warm Water Soak
Soaking the affected finger or toe in warm water is a crucial first step. This helps to soften the skin and the hangnail, making it easier and less painful to manage.
- How to: Soak the nail in warm water.
- Duration: Soak for 15 minutes.
- Frequency: Repeat this process up to 4 times a day for optimal results, especially if the hangnail is causing discomfort.
2. Trim the Hangnail
Once the skin is softened from soaking, you can carefully trim the hangnail. This step prevents the hangnail from catching on things and tearing further, which can worsen the problem.
- How to: Use clean, sharp nail clippers or cuticle scissors.
- Technique: Trim the hangnail as close to the base as possible without cutting into the healthy skin. Pulling or tearing the hangnail should be avoided as this can cause more damage.
3. Moisturize
After trimming, it's important to keep the skin around the nail hydrated. Moisturizing helps the skin heal and can prevent future hangnails, especially if dry skin is a contributing factor.
- What to use: A good hand cream, cuticle oil, or even petroleum jelly works well.
- When to apply: Apply generously to the nail and surrounding skin after soaking and trimming, and regularly throughout the day.
4. Medicinal Creams
In some cases, applying specific medicinal creams may be beneficial.
- Purpose: These creams can help soothe inflammation, reduce the risk of infection, or aid in healing.
- Types: This might include antiseptic creams to prevent infection or healing ointments. Choose a cream appropriate for skin around the nails.
By following these steps – soaking, trimming, and moisturizing, potentially with the aid of medicinal creams – you can effectively treat a hangnail at home and promote healthy skin around your nails.
