Knowing how to treat an infected hangnail is crucial for your health. These infections are common and can usually be managed at home, but it’s important to address them quickly. A hangnail can get infected if it comes into contact with bacteria or fungus. If your hangnail infection doesn’t improve within a week, it’s wise to see a doctor.
Before diving into treatment, let’s explore what causes hangnail infections. Preventing hangnails in the first place is the best strategy. Infections often result from minor injuries like nail-biting or pulling on the hangnail, which allows bacteria to enter. It’s worth noting that our mouths harbor many bacteria, especially staph and strep, so avoid biting hangnails.
An infection between the nail and the skin is known as paronychia. This can make the area red, swollen, or filled with pus. Even minor infections around the nail should be taken seriously, as they could develop into more significant issues if ignored. This could lead to nail discoloration or spread to other body parts.
Avoid cutting any part of the infected nail, and remove any artificial nails. Don’t use your nails as tools for tasks like peeling price tags or picking at things. Wear gloves when washing dishes.
One of the oldest and most effective natural remedies for pain relief is using warm water. Soak the affected hand or foot in warm water for 20 minutes, three to four times a day. Adding hydrogen peroxide can help draw out the infection. Afterward, apply a lotion with low alcohol content to avoid drying out the skin.
An inflamed hangnail isn’t always infected, but it’s best to treat it as such. Use ice and over-the-counter pain relief to manage discomfort. Ice can reduce blood flow to the area, decreasing inflammation and swelling. If the infection is mild, an antibiotic ointment from the pharmacy can help stop it from worsening.
Essential oils, particularly tea tree oil, have strong antimicrobial properties. Apply 2 to 3 drops of high-quality tea tree oil directly to the hangnail two to three times a day. It’s potent and can burn a little but is effective against bacteria. Combined with soaking the hangnail in warm salt water, this can bring pus to the surface.
As mentioned, salt can be effective in drawing out infection. Dissolve salt in warm water and soak the infected area. Salt acts as an antibacterial agent, reducing pain but also potentially harming healthy cells needed for healing.
Hangnails are especially common when your hands are dry but should be treated if infection occurs. If your hangnail forms an abscess or starts producing pus, it may need drainage by a healthcare professional. Preventing hangnails is the best way to avoid infections altogether.
