You can add in some drops of vitamin E oil or olive oil for extra moisture during your soak.
Do not pull and pluck at your hangnail. This will cause an uneven break from your skin, further irritating the area of the hangnail. Pulling at your hangnail could also cause bleeding. Do not cut off more skin or nail than what is necessary. This can create a deep cut that can easily get infected.
If your hangnail was deep, you can put a bandage on the hangnail to help prevent it from getting infected.
Apply an oil or moisturizer multiple times a day, especially after handling hot water and washing your hands. You can use other moisturizers like petroleum jelly, honey, olive oil, and coconut oil to combat hangnails, and keep your hands soft and hydrated.
Use cuticle oil to moisturize the skin around your nails regularly, as it’s more likely to shred if it’s dry. [2] X Expert Source Mia RubieNail Artist Expert Interview. 23 April 2020. Dry your hands thoroughly any time you get them wet. Water actually acts as an irritant and can cause more pain. Drink enough water throughout the day to stay moisturized and hydrated. Consider wearing rubber gloves when working with detergents or water. This added precaution will protect your hands from drying out from the soap and water.
Use your nipper and clip the hangnail straight, then pull it upward. Don’t pull downward, as that could tear the skin. [3] X Expert Source Mia RubieNail Artist Expert Interview. 23 April 2020. If the hangnail area becomes red and swollen, you’ve probably developed an infection. In the event of an infection, start treating it by soaking your hangnail in hot water about 3 times a day. If you don’t see or feel any improvement within a few days, contact your doctor. You might need to start a round of antibiotics. [4] X Research source
Having your fingers in and around your mouth increases the chances of a hangnail getting infected because of the different bacteria in your mouth. Don’t pick at your cuticles, either. You’ll likely leave your cuticle raw or bleeding, which can be grounds for a nail or skin infection. [6] X Expert Source Mia RubieNail Artist Expert Interview. 23 April 2020. Try keeping your nails painted if you find yourself biting them often. The taste will discourage you from chewing them.
An orange stick is a thin, manicuring stick with one angled edge used to push back cuticles, and one pointed edge used to clean underneath the nails. Consider trimming your nails when they have been softened with some warm water. This will make cutting through the nail a lot easier. A regular manicure can help maintain healthy nails, and keep nail growth under control.
Consider using less severe polish strippers like ethyl acetate, isopropyl alcohol, or propylene carbonate. [8] X Research source . You could also use polish removers that have added conditioners like glycerin and soy. [9] X Research source
Consider taking a vitamin supplement if you don’t get enough through your diet. Biotin is a supplement that helps strengthen your nails. Ask your doctor if a supplement is right for you. [11] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
