Many people encounter hangnails, but only a few know how to deal with them properly. Although they are not very big, you may ask, why are hangnails so painful? In this article, we will look at some of the most frequent mistakes people make when dealing with hangnails, making them painful, and learn how to deal with them effectively.
Ignoring the Importance of Moisturising
One of the most common mistakes that people make is that they do not pay much attention to their hands and nails. Hangnail happens when the skin around the nails gets fragile and cracks easily due to dryness. This is because hand washing, exposure to cold weather, or use of chemicals on the skin leads to dryness of the skin and, thus, the formation of hangnails. To avoid this, make it a habit to use a good hand cream after washing your hands or after doing any rigorous activity. Try to find products with vitamin E or aloe vera for moisturising and skin protection.
Picking at Hangnails
One of the worst things that a person can do is to try to pick at a hangnail. When one decides to pick or bite the hangnail, the skin splits even more, and this results in bleeding, pain, and even infection. The skin around your nails is sensitive and if you tear it, bacteria may enter and cause a hangnail infection.
If you find yourself constantly biting or picking at your hangnail, it is better to learn the right hangnail removal technique. Trim them with a pair of sterile nail clippers or cuticle scissors to remove as much of the hangnail as possible without cutting the skin.
Not Treating a Swollen Hangnail Properly
Most of the time, people do not know how to treat a swollen hangnail and let it heal on its own. However, if it becomes swollen, this may be a sign of a hangnail infection or an abscess. If not treated early, the infection may progress and cause other complications.
To treat a swollen hangnail, first, immerse the affected finger in warm water for about 10 to 15 minutes. This helps in making the skin soft and also in the reduction of inflammation. Last but not the least, apply an antibacterial ointment on the affected area to prevent infections. If the swelling does not reduce or if there is formation of pus then one should seek medical attention as it may be a deeper infection.
Using Non-sterile Tools for Hangnail Removal
Another mistake that people make is using non-sterile tools for hangnail removal. A pair of scissors, clippers or tweezers, and other unsterilised tools can transfer bacteria to the open wound, causing an infection.
It is also important to ensure that your tools are sterilised before you use them. This can be done by either using a wet wipe with rubbing alcohol or by boiling the items in water for a few minutes.
Overlooking Hangnail Pain Relief
Many people suffer from the pain of hangnail without going for hangnail pain relief. Some of the home remedies that can be of great help include soaking your fingers in warm water, applying a warm compress, or using over-the-counter pain relievers. Also, the use of a moisturising ointment or cream is advisable as it assists in hangnail treatment.
Not Understanding the Causes of Hangnails
A lack of knowledge of the cause of hanging nails may result in repeated hanging nails. These are usually caused by dry skin, but other hangnail causes include nail biting, improper trimming of nails, or contact with chemicals.
If these causes are well understood and dealt with, one can minimise the occurrence of hangnails. For instance, if you wash your hands often or use hand sanitisers, do not forget to apply lotion to replenish the lost natural oils.
Skipping Professional Help When Needed
In some cases, at-home hangnail treatment is not enough. However, if you have a hangnail that is painful, infected or does not recover, you should consult a doctor. If left untreated, these symptoms may lead to paronychia, an infection of the skin around the nail or cellulitis.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is not necessary to turn the process of dealing with hangnails into a painful or stressful event. If you do not prick at your hangnails, apply moisturiser, and use sterilised tools, then the likelihood of getting hangnails and the issues that come with them will be significantly reduced. One should follow a proper hangnail treatment at home and seek professional help if the issue is not resolved. Just remember, a little care is all that is needed to prevent and manage this frequent yet neglected issue.
