Hangnails are something most people experience at some point. You might not notice them until they’re fully developed and causing pain. Treating the discomfort is usually the first step. Even though they are small, hangnails can cause significant irritation and discomfort. They often appear when your skin is dry, like during winter or after being exposed to water for a long time. The swelling from hangnails can press on nerve endings, leading to more pain and a strong urge for relief.
Hangnails happen when bits of skin tear near the cuticle. Dry skin is a big factor, so anything that dries out your hands can make you more likely to get them. It’s important to find quick relief from hangnail pain. They hurt because your fingertips have lots of nerve endings. People who bite their nails or trim their cuticles too closely can also get hangnails more frequently. The good news is, hangnails can be prevented. Moisturizing your hands is key, especially with ointments or balms that hydrate and protect better than creams or lotions.
Avoid cutting your cuticles yourself. Instead, use a cuticle-removing cream and gently push them back with a cuticle pusher for a clean look without causing hangnails. If your hands are frequently in water or contact with chemicals, wearing rubber or plastic gloves can protect your skin. Don’t tear off a hangnail, as this can open a wound and lead to infection. If it’s attached to live skin, pulling a hangnail can be very painful. That throbbing feeling after pulling one off is why you need fast pain relief.
Aloe vera is a great option for soothing and healing hangnails. It moisturizes and has natural pain-relieving and antibacterial properties. Applying aloe vera gel on hangnails can help repair skin and promote growth of new skin. Let the gel sit for at least 30 minutes to absorb fully, or leave it on overnight for best results.
Bentonite clay is another traditional remedy that can ease painful hangnails. It has anti-inflammatory properties that soothe sore skin and protect against infection. This clay can draw out any present infection, reduce swelling, and promote better circulation for quicker relief. Mix bentonite clay with cold water to form a paste, apply it to the hangnail, cover it with a wet gauze, and wrap it with a band-aid. Refresh the clay several times a day until the pain eases.
Epsom salt can help relieve hangnail pain and reduce inflammation. It’s made of magnesium sulfate, which gets absorbed into the skin, exfoliating and preventing swelling. Soaking the hangnail in a mixture of 1 cup water and 1 teaspoon Epsom salt three to four times a day can help. Continue until the hangnail heals, which usually takes two to three days. Adding oils like lavender, avocado, olive, or vitamin E can provide extra soothing effects.
Yogurt is another effective hangnail soother due to its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. The probiotics in yogurt help reduce inflammation. Cold yogurt can also provide relief. Be sure to use plain, unsweetened yogurt.
Neroli essential oil, known for calming nerves, acts as a powerful painkiller with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It’s effective in managing pain and swelling and can help repair damaged skin. Be sure to dilute neroli oil as it’s highly concentrated. Mix one teaspoon of carrier oil with two drops of neroli oil, massage into the hangnail, and cover with a band-aid.
While preventing hangnails is important, this list offers options for relief. Regular use of moisturizing agents like aloe vera, vitamin E oil, yogurt, petroleum jelly, or honey can keep cuticles healthy and prevent hangnails. If a hangnail doesn’t heal within a few days or shows signs of infection like pus or discoloration, see a doctor. If you suspect an infection and want to treat it at home, consider researching more on how to draw out hangnail infections.
