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In This Article
There are few things more annoying than hangnails.
Meet the Experts
What Is a Hangnail?
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While they are most common on fingernails, they can occur on toenails, too (le sigh).
Be sure to only remove dead pieces of skin.
“Soak the finger in warm water to soften the skin, says manicurist Chelsea Baart.
“Then clip [the hangnail] off with a clean pair ofnail clippersor nail scissors.”
She recommends sanitizing the instrument with rubbing alcohol and keeping the area well-moisturized.
We tend to kill the nipper andpullthe skin, which creates larger problems,” cautions Lippmann.
Be sure to use the medicine as directedand don’t skimp on moisturizing and other protective methods.
Use an Antibiotic Cream
you might always use a little antibiotic ointment to promote healing.
“You may require oral antibiotics,” she adds, if the wound becomes infected.
But don’t just slap on some hand cream in the morning and call it a day.
“Take special care to massage the lotions and oils directly into the cuticles,” says Baart.
Daily chores can be just as harmful to the skin on your hands as arctic temperatures.
Baart recommends wearing gloves when your hands come in contact with hot water or cleaning products.
Try a Nail Soak
Give your hands the spa treatment with an at-home nail soak usingcoconut oil.
This will deeply moisturize your skin while softening cuticles.
Wrap hands in hot towels after, and then be sure to moisturize with lotion or cream.
Apply as often as needed," says Lippmann.
Switch out the picking for applying your favorite cuticle oil which will help add moisture and prevent hangnails entirely.
), you may still be able to treat your hangnail with any of the aforementioned home remedies.
The Final Takeaway
When it comes to flawless nails, hangnails can be a real drag.
Fortunately, this common nail blemish is avoidable with simple preventative measures that aim to moisturize and protect.
Hangnails form for a few different reasons.
More obviously, if you’re a constant nail biterhangnails are inevitable.
Talk to your doctor to find the exact cause before you starting adding new vitamins into the mix.
Tips for healthy nails.
