Woman crossing manicured hands
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Hangnails on fingers can be very painful and annoying, especially when you accidentally catch the skin on something. People who have dry skin tend to get hangnails often, as do those who bite the edges of the skin around their nails. Keep your hands looking nice and healthy by taking care of hangnails properly.

Soak your fingertips for 10 to 15 minutes in a little bowl of lukewarm water, a few drops of freshly squeezed lemon and a soft, moisturizing hand soap. Pat your hands dry with a clean, soft towel.

Clip the hangnail off gently with nail clippers or petite nail scissors. Freshly soaked hands are soft enough that you can cut the hangnail without pulling the skin. Don't cut too much off and cause bleeding.

Seal the hangnail wound with a liquid bandage to protect it from infection and help it heal faster.

Soften cuticles at bedtime as often as possible. Smooth on a thick moisturizing cream and cover your hands with cotton gloves. This keeps the skin moisturized and soft and helps prevent hangnails.

Tip

Cover hangnails with an adhesive bandage until you can treat them properly.