How to Get Rid of Hangnails: 10 Steps
Hangnails are those pesky, uncomfortable skin fragments that occur around the edges of your nails. While they may seem harmless, they can be painful and lead to infection if not properly treated. In this article, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to get rid of hangnails in 10 easy steps.
1. Keep your hands moisturized: Dry skin can cause hangnails. Make sure you’re applying a good quality hand cream regularly to keep the skin around your nails soft and hydrated.
2. Avoid biting your nails: Biting your nails can lead to hangnails and damage surrounding skin. Try using alternative methods to break this habit, such as painting your nails or wearing gloves.
3. Trim hangnails with clean tools: Using sterilized nail clippers or cuticle scissors, carefully trim any hangnails you might already have. Avoid pulling or peeling them off, as this can worsen the problem.
4. Soak your fingertips: Soften the hangnail by soaking your fingers in warm, soapy water for about 10 minutes. This will make the trimming process easier and less painful.
5. Gently push back cuticles: use a cuticle pusher or orange stick to gently push back your cuticles after soaking your fingertips. This will prevent them from growing over your nail and causing hangnails.
6. Exfoliate your hands: Regularly exfoliating can help remove dead skin and thus reduce the chances of developing hangnails. Use a gentle scrub or a pumice stone to exfoliate the skin around your nails.
7. Wear gloves when doing chores: Protect your hands from harsh chemicals and excessive water exposure by wearing gloves while doing house chores like washing dishes or cleaning.
8. Keep nails neatly trimmed: Regularly trimming and filing your nails can help prevent snagging and tearing, which often leads to hangnails.
9. Maintain a well-balanced diet: Eating foods rich in vitamins and minerals, such as biotin, can promote healthy nails, skin, and hair growth. Incorporating these nutrients into your diet can help prevent hangnails.
10. Consult a professional if needed: If you’re unable to manage your hangnails or they become infected, it’s important to consult a dermatologist or healthcare professional for proper treatment.
By following these 10 steps, you can effectively reduce the occurrence of hangnails and maintain healthy, beautiful hands and nails. Remember that prevention is key – keeping your hands moisturized and well-groomed will go a long way in avoiding the pain of hangnails.