Hangnails are basically pieces of torn skin at the root of your fingernails and sometimes toenails too. They are also known as agnails. They can be very painful at times. Also, hangnails can lead to infections too!
People do not usually talk about hangnails on a regular basis but the infections it can cause can be very severe at times.
Hangnails are also known as agnail are the tiny torn piece of skin near the nails, getting caught up in the clothes every now and then. And not to forget, the pain it gives.
You can easily get rid of the hangnail by using the below effective home remedies.
Table of Contents
Causes Of Hangnails
Common causes of hangnails are:
1. Dry skin:
It is one of the main causes of hangnails. This is why we tend to have more hangnails during winters.
2. Bad manicure:
This can also leave you with hangnails if not done properly.
3. Biting nails:
This can rip off your cuticle and cause you pain as well as the gift you a hangnail.
4. Nail polish remover:
Too much use of nail polish remover makes your nail beds dry and prone to hangnails.
Hangnails and Diet
Our diet is also hugely related to hangnails. Deficiency of vitamins and minerals like folic acid and vitamin C are also the responsible for causing hangnails. So to avoid hangnails it is important that one concentrates on their diet too along with other things and take food rich in vitamin C and proteins.
Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Hangnails Fast
Follow these simple tips we bring you to say goodbye to hangnails.
1. Vitamin E Oil:
It is one of the most effective and efficient solutions for this problem.Vitamin E oil keeps the skin moisturized and cures it. Apply it on a regular basis on the affected area. Different Vitamins are beneficial for the skin and hair.
2. Honey:
It works wonders when it comes to hangnails. Being a natural humectant, it has the ability to attract and preserve moisture. It also helps fight any infection that may have occurred as it has antibacterial properties too. It also reduces inflammation. Apply and leave it for a couple of hours on your nail beds.
3. Avocado:
Avocado contains vitamin E, good fats and further nutrients that help nourish and heal your skin. It also acts as a humectant for your skin. So, it nourishes your skin and in turn, cures it effectively.
Extract avocado pulp, Make a paste and add a tbsp. coconut oil into the paste. Apply this paste on the affected area and leave it overnight.Avocado oil can also be applied to the skin.
4. Yogurt:
Yogurt contains probiotics that have anti-inflammatory properties. Apply plain yogurt on the affected area and wash it off after some time. Repeat this daily and your misery will be gone.
5. Alum:
Mix it with any moisturizer you use and apply. It will keep your fingernails safe from infections.
6. Glycerin:
Pure glycerin attracts moisture from the atmosphere and through a process of osmosis transfers this moisture into the skin. Apply it to your nail beds regularly.
7. White clay:
It is a natural clay appropriate for a dry and delicate skin. It exfoliates the skin and has minerals that heal hangnails. Mix one teaspoon white clay and olive oil with three drops of lavender oil and apply the paste onto your nails. Wash after 15 to 20 minutes. Do this two times a week regularly.
8. Turmeric:
It has healing properties and also cures infections. Prepare a mixture of turmeric and mustard oil and heat it. Put it on the area and leave overnight.
9. Epsom salts:
Epsom salts are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. It can also help to reduce pain. Mix one teaspoon of Epsom salts in one and a half cups of warm water. Soak the affected fingernail in it for five to ten minutes.
10. Almond Hand Mask:
Almonds have great vitamin E content. They also reduce inflammation and swelling. Soak some almonds in water all night. Peel off the skin of the almonds and grind it in the morning and Mix one beaten egg yolk, a honey, and crushed almonds. Apply the mixture on your nails. Leave it overnight and wash it off the next day. Repeat this for a few times in a week repeatedly.
11. Petroleum Jelly:
Petroleum Jelly can prevent as well as cure hangnails too. It has great moisturizing properties. Apply before going to sleep and wash it off in the evening. You can also make your own cuticle softener at home.
How To Make Cuticle Softner To Get Rid Of Hangnails
1. Beeswax:
Beeswax softens and moisturizes your nails beds. It also makes your nails strong.
How To Make:
Take 2 tbsp. each of coconut oil, almond oil, and olive oil, a little honey and 3 tbsp. beeswax, mix them and melt the mixture.
Remove from heat and add a few drops of essential oils. Apply it on your nails and cuticles and leave it on overnight. Repeat this daily.
2. Oil therapy:
As the name suggests, this method has oil in it. And a lot of it.
How To Make:
Blend together two drops of jojoba oil and eucalyptus oil, a drop of tea tree oil and two tbsp. of warm olive oil. Rub this on your nails and cuticles. Leave it on overnight.
3. Olive oil:
Olive oil can be of great help when it comes to hangnails
How To Make:
Heat three tablespoons of olive oil in a microwave or double boiler. Mix in one or three drops of any essential oil. Apply the mixture to your cuticles, and leave it on overnight.
4. Cuticle Oil can also be used. Homemade cuticle oil is of great help.
5. Try To manicure your nails properly at home.
One can also trim the cuticle but don’t pull it or tear it. We know they are irritating and painful but tearing it would do no good to you.
The infection caused after the hangnail is also not to be ignored. For an infected hangnail use warm salt water. Dip your hands in the salt water as it acts as an antibacterial agent.
You can also use disinfectant creams, such as Neosporin to treat the infection. Most importantly, always keep your hands clean to avoid any infection.
These simple hacks that you can easily get at your home will cure your misery if followed regularly.
There are no medicines available for hangnails in the market so stop searching for them and instead try one of these. We hope these remedies will be of great help to you.
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