How to Soothe a Hangnail
Hangnails are pieces of dead skin that detach near a fingernail. They can cause discomfort and pain if not treated properly. Hangnails are caused by dehydration and can be avoided by both drinking more water and applying lotion or moisturizer to your hands on a regular basis. Dealing with a hangnail properly can help you avoid further injury or infection. Don't pull or bite the hangnail.
Things You'll Need
- Antibacterial soap
- Towel
- Manicure scissors
- Antibiotic ointment
- Bandage
- Moisturizer
- Salt
- Water
Instructions
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1
Wash your hands thoroughly with warm water and antibacterial soap. Dry them with a clean towel.
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2
Cut the hangnail from your finger using a pair of clean manicure scissors. Remove as much dead skin as you can without causing further injury.
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3
Apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment on the wound and cover it with a clean bandage.
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4
Remove the bandage every four hours and soak the finger in a mixture of 1 cup of water and 1 tablespoon of salt. This will help get rid of any infection.
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5
Wash your hands with warm water and antibacterial soap and apply a new layer of antibiotic ointment and a clean bandage.
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Tips & Warnings
An infected hangnail may contain pus. If it does, it will need to be drained. Contact a doctor if you experience extreme redness, swelling or pain.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
