Are you often troubled by that tiny piece of torn skin near at root of your nail, waiting to snag on your clothing or your hair? This annoying and often painful problem is known as a hangnail.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, hangnails are basically small bits of skin that hang off the cuticles of your nails.
Although hangnails generally occur in the fingernails, people may get them on their toenails as well.
# Petroleum JellyThe first line of treatment for hangnails is to keep the affected area moisturized. This can easily be done with the help of petroleum jelly.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, petroleum jelly helps rehydrate nails and prevent dry skin.
For best results, always apply petroleum jelly on damp skin.
- Soak your nails in lukewarm water for about 15 minutes.
- Then, trim the hangnail with a pair of cuticle scissors.
- Apply a layer of petroleum jelly over the affected area.
- Keep reapplying the petroleum jelly as required in order to prevent dryness.
# Vitamin E OilA lot of research has been carried out regarding the dermatological uses of vitamin E. It comes loaded with antioxidant properties, which makes it a popular treatment for various skin disorders.
It has been observed that reactive oxygen species (ROS) have the ability to alter the biosynthesis of glycosaminoglycans and collagen in the skin.[3] Antioxidants fight the effects of ROS.
Vitamin E oil is an efficient remedy for hangnails as it softens and moistens the nail beds. In fact, it helps create a protective barrier on the skin’s surface, which aids in locking in the moisture.
In addition to this, vitamin E also facilitates healing of the skin tear.
- Apply pure vitamin E oil on the affected area. Let it sit until it is absorbed completely by the skin. Reapply several times a day until you get rid of the hangnails.
- Another option is to combine vitamin E oil with other oils, such as olive, castor, or jojoba oil and apply the mixture daily.
- Apply a drop of vitamin E oil on your nail beds after clipping your nails.
# Honey
The best way to prevent and treat hangnails is to keep your nail beds moisturized. This will help make sure that the skin around your nails remains supple.
It has been found that honey possesses emollient as well as humectant properties. This means that it works as a great moisturizing agent and helps keep the skin soft and supple. Being a natural humectant, honey attracts and retains moisture in the skin.
Moreover, this ingredient has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial qualities that enable it to fight infection and reduce inflammation. Manuka honey, in particular, has potent antimicrobial properties.
- Dab raw or manuka honey on the affected area and let it sit for a few hours. This will help soften the cuticles. Do this every day until you get rid of the hangnail.
- You can also apply honey on your cuticles on a regular basis in order to prevent hangnails.
# Aloe VeraAloe vera is a natural moisturizer and comes with strong healing properties.
Due to its soothing, healing, and moisturizing benefits, aloe vera can be used to treat hangnails. When combined with turmeric, it helps prevent and treat infected hangnails as both these ingredients are packed with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Simply apply fresh succulent aloe vera gel extracted from an aloe leaf on your hangnails and leave it on for as long as possible. Use this remedy daily until you get rid of the problem.
- Mix a little turmeric powder in one teaspoon of aloe vera gel and apply the paste on the affected area. Leave it on for at least half an hour before rinsing it off. Repeat daily for a few days.
# Colloidal OatmealColloidal oatmeal is rich in skin moisturizing and repairing properties and can be used to fight skin dryness and heal hangnails.
In a 2012 study published in Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, researchers analyzed the benefits of an oatmeal-containing skin care product for dry skin and found it to be safe and effective.
- Take 1–2 tablespoons of colloidal oatmeal.
- Add a little water to make a paste.
- Apply it on your hands.
- Wait for 5 minutes and rub the hands, especially around the cuticle area.
- Then, wash it off with lukewarm water.
- Pat dry and then apply a moisturizing cream to the affected area.
# Stop Nail BitingBiting and picking your nails can lead to hangnails. While biting your nails, you may pass harmful microbes from your mouth to your fingers, thus increasing the risk of an infection.
Hence, it is recommended to take effective measures in order to stop nail biting right away.
- Keeping your nails short and trimmed will help you break the habit.
- Another option is to apply nail polish (preferably bitter-tasting ones) to your nails.
- If nothing works, keep your nails covered by wearing gloves to prevent nail biting.