Excellent Home Remedies to Get Rid of Hang Nails

Ever suffered from a hang nail before? If you have, then you will definitely believe us when we say that it’s the smaller things in life that tend to cause the worst pain.

Hang nails tend to fall in this category as seemingly miniscule problems that end up causing us a whole lot of pain. But what is a hangnail?

Usually occurring on the fingers or toes, a hang nail is essentially a piece of torn skin near the nail.

If left untreated, it can cause immense pain and lead to more serious problems like ingrown nails and even infections.

Causes for Hang Nails

What causes hangnails? Hang nails are not uncommon. In fact, everyone will tend to develop a hang nail at one point of his/her life.

However, there are some factors that increase the risk of getting a hang nail frequently. Accordingly, some of the more common hangnail causes include:

• Dry skin near the nails
• Biting nails (which leads to a weak nail bed)
• Prolonged exposure to chemicals in synthetic cleaners
• Vitamin deficiencies and
• Bad manicures (causing the cuticle to be pushed way back)

Home Remedies for Hang Nails

Hang nails can get infected rather quickly, leading to immense pain and swelling in the affected finger or toe.

Fortunately, there are some quick remedies you can dish up at home to get rid of a hang nail before it becomes worse.

So if you are wondering how to get rid of hang nails, here are some quick solutions for you.

1. Epsom Salt Water

Let’s start with some simple salt water first. A saline solution contains potent antibacterial agents that can get rid of any infection under the hang nail.

Here’s what you need to do for that.

What you need:

• Epsom Salt – 2-3 tbsp.
• Warm Water – 1 cup

What you need to do:

• Mix the salt nicely in the water until it dissolves completely.
• Soak the infected hangnail in the saline solution for about 20 minutes.
• Do this every day to get rid of the infection until it is safe enough to cut out the hangnail.

2. Vinegar

If the saline solution doesn’t seem to help, move on to the next remedy using vinegar. Vinegar is known for its antibacterial and anti-fungal properties (1).

Soaking the infected finger in vinegar solution will therefore, help heal the infection around the hang nail as well as the nail itself naturally.

What you need:

• Vinegar – 1 tsp.
• Warm Water – 1 cup

What you need to do:

• Mix the vinegar and water nicely.
• Soak the infected finger/toe in this solution for about 10 minutes.
• Repeat the remedy thrice every day for a week or so until the infection goes down.

3. Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is extremely effective in removing those pesky warts from your skin. It is also considered very effective in treating a hang nail infection.

Using hydrogen peroxide, you can ensure your hang nail gets cured within a week.

What you need:

• Hydrogen Peroxide – 1 tsp.
• Warm Water – 1 cup
• Coconut Oil – 1 tsp.

What you need to do:

• Mix the hydrogen peroxide in water.
• Soak your fingers in the solution for 10 minutes, thrice a day for quick results.
• Hydrogen peroxide can dry out your skin. So make sure you massage some coconut oil over the finger, cuticle and nail after every soak (don’t forget to dry the area first).

4. Honey

Next on the list is honey. Honey remains as one of the most popular home remedies for several kinds of infections, including the one caused by hang nails.

It is also a soothing agent and helps to relieve the pain and swelling caused by the hang nail.

Method I: Raw Honey

Applying some raw honey over the hang nail can help cure the infection quickly.

What you need:

• Raw Honey – 1 tbsp.

What you need to do:

• Apply some raw honey on the infected hang nail and let it sit there for a few hours.
• Keep applying the honey on the nail at regular intervals throughout the day for desirable results.

Method II: Honey and Cinnamon

Honey when combined with cinnamon provides a potent antibacterial agent to kill of the bacteria inhabiting the hang nail.

Regular use of this remedy can get rid of the infection, pain and swelling caused by the hang nail very quickly.

What you need:

• Honey – 1 tbsp.
• Cinnamon Powder – 1 tsp.

What you need to do:

• Mix the honey and cinnamon to form a paste.
• Apply this paste evenly around the infected hang nail.
• Cover the nail with a bandage and let it sit for about an hour after which you can remove the bandage and wash off the paste.
• Reapply this paste twice a day to cure the hang nail quickly and effectively.

5. White Clay

A simple hangnail cure involves using white clay to tackle the problem, especially if you have dry or sensitive skin.

It has the necessary minerals to soften the skin as well as heal it, thereby curing the hangnail as well as preventing it from recurring again.

What you need:

• White Clay – 1 tsp.
• Olive Oil – 1 tsp.
• Lavender Oil – 3 drops

What you need to do:

• Add the white clay with the olive oil to form a thick paste.
• Add the lavender oil to the paste and massage the same on the nail beds.
• Wait for 15 minutes or so and rinse off the paste with cold water.
• Follow this remedy thrice a week until the hang nail is cured completely.

6. Turmeric

Turmeric is a natural antibacterial agent that does a great job of treating hang nail infections.

It is also one of the most common ingredients found in any household. So if you are looking for an effective hang nail treatment, head over to the kitchen to grab some turmeric.

Method I: Turmeric – Mustard Oil Paste

Both ingredients have enough antimicrobial agents to kick away that infection from the hang nail, thus offering you a peaceful and less painful cure for hangnail pain and swelling.

What you need:

• Turmeric Powder – 1 tsp.
• Mustard Oil – 1 tbsp.

What you need to do:

• Heat the mustard oil until it is warm enough.
• Add the turmeric paste to the oil and mix it nicely to form a paste.
• Apply the warm mixture to the hang nail as well as the cuticles. Wait for an hour and rinse off the paste with cold water.
• If preferred, you can apply the paste on the finger/toe, cover it with a bandage and leave it overnight for quicker results.

Method II: Turmeric and Milk

Wondering how to get rid of a hang nail fast? This may sound funny to some but a hang nail can be cured from inside the body as well.

For that, you need to drink the following concoction once every day.

What you need:

• Turmeric Powder – 1 tsp.
• Milk – 1 glass

What you need to do:

• Mix the turmeric powder in a glass of warm milk.
• Drink this concoction once a day at bed time to get rid of the hang nail infection.

7. Garlic

The potent anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of garlic (2) make it a great natural cure for painful hang nails.

What you need:

• Raw Garlic – 2 to 3 cloves

What you need to do:

• Crush the garlic cloves to form a paste. Apply this paste on the infected hang nail and tie a cloth around it.
• Remove the cloth after an hour and wash off the paste with warm water. Repeat at regular intervals throughout the day for best results.

8. Yogurt

Yogurt is loaded with the goodness of probiotics (3), making it a very effective natural remedy for incessant hang nails.

Yogurt also helps to soothe the skin around the nail, thus bringing down the pain and swelling caused by the hang nail.

What you need:

• Fresh, Unsweetened Yogurt – 2 tbsp.

What you need to do:

• Carefully apply the yogurt on the hang nail and let it sit there for a couple of hours.
• Wash off the yogurt with cold water. Do this every day until the infection has died down and the hangnail is ready to come off.

9. Almonds

Almonds are loaded with Vitamin E, a nutrient that is considered essential for healthy skin. It is therefore recommended to use almonds to treat frequently occurring hang nails

What you need:

• Almonds – ½ cup
• Water – 1 cup
• Almond Oil – 2 tsp.
• Egg Yolk – 1
• Honey – 1 tbsp.

What you need to do:

• Soak the almonds in the water overnight.
• Drain the water the next morning and peel the skin off the almonds. Crush the almonds to form a paste.
• Add the almond oil, honey and egg yolk to the paste and apply the same on the infected hang nail.
• Do this before hitting the bed every night so that you can wash off the paste with cold water the next morning. Follow this remedy for a couple of days and you will start to notice the pain and swelling reduce considerably.

10. Avocados

Like almonds, avocados are loaded with Vitamin E. Thus, they can also play a useful role in treating a hang nail infection and its symptoms.

What you need:

• Avocado – ½
• Coconut Oil – 1 tbsp.

What you need to do:

• Remove the pulp from the avocado and mash it nicely.
• Add the coconut oil to the mix. Apply the paste evenly around the hang nail and cover the area with a bandage or cloth. Leave it overnight.
• Remove the bandage the next morning and wash off the paste with cold water. Repeat once a day for a week or so for desirable results.

11. Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is one of the top three home remedies often recommended for cuts, wounds and infections.

It is truly a miracle plant that saves you so many visits to the doctor otherwise. Here is how you can use Aloe Vera to treat hang nails.

Method I: Raw Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe Vera helps cut down the infection in the hang nail. It also helps in soothing the skin around it in order to reduce the pain and swelling in the area.

What you need:

• Aloe Vera Leaf – 1

What you need to do:

• Cut the leaf and collect the gel that oozes out.
• Apply this gel on the infected hang nail and the skin around it. Wait for a couple of hours before washing off the gel with cold water. Do this twice or thrice a day for best results.

Method II: Aloe Vera and Turmeric Powder

For quicker relief from an annoying hang nail, you can choose to add some turmeric powder to the raw gel.

What you need:

• Aloe Vera Gel – 1 tbsp.
• Turmeric Powder – 1 tsp.

What you need to do:

• Mix the turmeric powder and Aloe Vera gel to form a paste. Rub the same evenly around the infected hang nail and let it sit for about 30 minutes.
• Rinse the paste with cold water afterwards. Do this once a day to get rid of the hang nail within a week.

12. Petroleum Jelly

This is another common household ingredient that can come to your rescue when you are wondering how to cure a hang nail.

It is loaded with moisturizing properties that help soothe the skin around the hang nail and keep it protected from any infections.

What you need:

• Petroleum Jelly – 1 tsp.
• Sesame Oil – ½ tsp.

What you need to do:

• Mix the petroleum jelly with the sesame oil. Apply this mixture on the infected nail and cover it with a cloth.
• Leave it on overnight and wash it off the next morning. Do this every night to reduce the pain, swelling and infection caused by the hang nail.

13. Glycerin

This is another hang nail home remedy that is loaded with moisturizing properties. It helps to keep your skin hydrated, thus protecting it against an impending infection caused by a hang nail.

This way, you can prevent the hang nail from getting infected until it is safe enough to remove it.

What you need:

• Glycerin – 1 tsp.
• Vitamin E Oil – 1 tsp.

What you need to do:

• Mix the ingredients to form a viscous mix.
• Rub this mix evenly around the hang nail, massaging it into the skin nicely.
• Wait for about 10 minutes before wiping off the mix with a soft towel.
• Do this thrice every day to prevent infection.

14. Beeswax Balm

How to prevent hang nails? Beeswax does a great job in not only softening your skin but also strengthening your nails.

Regular application of beeswax balm on an infected hang nail can not only cure the infection and pain, but also prevent the hang nail from recurring. Here’s what you need to do for that.

What you need:

• Beeswax – 3 tbsp.
• Almond Oil – 2 tsp.
• Coconut Oil – 2 tsp.
• Olive Oil – 2 tsp.
• Honey – 3 tbsp.
• Lavender Oil – 2 drops

What you need to do:

• Mix all the ingredients in a bowl (except the lavender oil) and microwave the same for a minute or so.
• Allow the mix to cool down and add the lavender oil to it. Mix nicely.
• Apply this mixture on the infected hang nail as well as the nearby nails and cuticles (to prevent the infection from spreading). Cover the hang nail with a bandage and leave it overnight.
• Remove the bandage and wash off the gel the next morning. Do this every night for about a week for best results.

15. Oatmeal

Oatmeal is a great moisturizing and exfoliating agent. In addition to softening the skin, it helps to remove the dead skin cells around the nails, thus preventing hang nails from occurring.

Here are some ways in which you can use oatmeal to treat hang nails.

What you need:

• Oats – 1 cup

What you need to do:

• Grind the oats to form a coarse powder.
• Rub this powder nicely on the hang nail as well as the skin around it. This will help remove dead skin cells from the area.
• Wash off the powder after about 15 minutes and apply some coconut oil on the cuticles to moisturize them. Repeat every day to keep skin hydrated and infection free until you remove the hang nail.

16. Oils

There are a number of oils that help you deal with hang nails effectively. Here are a couple of them that will come to your rescue at the time of need.

Vitamin E Oil

Vitamin E can be found in a number of home remedies for hang nails. This makes it a natural with hang nail infections.

What you need:

• Vitamin E – 1 tbsp.

What you need to do:

• Apply some Vitamin E oil on the infected hang nail at regular intervals throughout the day. This will help keep the infection at bay in addition to moisturizing the skin nicely.

Lavender Oil

This is yet again another oil that can be found in many home remedies for hang nails. In addition to getting rid of the infection underneath the nail, it helps hydrate the skin in the area, thus allowing it to heal naturally and quickly.

What you need:

• Lavender Oil – 5 drops
• Water – 1 cup

What you need to do:

• Dilute the lavender oil in the water and pour the mixture into a spray bottle.
• Spray a small amount of this solution onto the hang nail at regular intervals throughout the day for best results.

Olive Oil

Olive oil does well when it comes to moisturizing the skin as well as preventing an infection from spreading to other parts of the body. If your hang nail is infected, you can consider using olive oil to treat the infection until the nail can be removed.

What you need:

• Olive Oil – 2 cups
• Eggs – 3
• Lemon Juice – 1 tbsp.

What you need to do:

• Whisk the eggs nicely until they are blended nicely.
• Add the olive oil to the eggs and mix nicely. Add the lemon juice to the mix.
• Heat the mixture until it becomes warm enough. Soak the infected finger/toe in the mixture for about 25 minutes. Repeat this once every day until the hang nail can be clipped off.
• Alternatively, you can choose to soak your hands in this mixture and leave it overnight. Wash off the mixture with cold water the next morning and follow this remedy every night until the infected area feels better.

General Tips to follow for Hang Nails

In addition to following these home remedies, there are some essential pointers you will need to take note of and follow on a daily basis.

Doing so will help offer immense relief from the pain and swelling caused by the hang nail. It will also prevent the hang nail from recurring.

Take a note of these general tips below.

Soak in Warm Water: It pays to soak the infected area in warm water before trying to clip out the hang nail.

The soak will soften the skin in the area and drain out the pus, thus making it easier for you to remove the hang nail.

Clipping off a dry hang nail can otherwise lead to increased pain or even bleeding in some cases.

Apply Ice: If the pain caused by the hang nail remains for long intervals, consider applying some ice on the infected area.

This will help bring down the pain and swelling until you are able to deal with the hang nail.

Moisturize Regularly: Dry skin happens to be the   main reason for the occurrence of hang nails. So make sure to keep your skin moisturized, taking extra care around the cuticles and nail beds.

Use a good quality moisturizer and apply the same near these areas at least thrice a day at regular intervals.

In addition to preventing hang nails from recurring, this can have a profound impact on your skin health in the long run.

Keep the Infected Area Dry: Ensure to dry the infected area properly after every soak or treatment.

Bacteria love moist areas and will tend to remain in the fingernail if you leave it wet at all times. So use a small piece of cotton to pat the infected area dry.

Don’t Pull or Bite off Hangnails: This is a rather common mistake we tend to make. Pulling or biting off a hang nail will only make matters worse.

For starters, it will cause the area to bleed, thus increasing the pain and swelling. It will also increase the risks of the area getting infected quickly.

Use Nail Scissors to clip off Hang Nails: Always use a nail scissor to clip off a hang nail. Remember the moisturizing and soaking routine though.

This will allow you to clip off the hang nail with minimal damage to the surrounding skin.

Place Cotton on Finger for Ingrown Nails: If the hang nail is in grown, chances are you will have a hard time removing it.

Simply place a wad of cotton under the nail for a few days until it grows back.

This will allow you to clip off the hang nail properly afterwards instead of trying to pull out a smaller one and causing harm to your skin in the process.

Apply Antibacterial Cream: After clipping off a hang nail, apply some antibacterial cream to the area. Cover it with a clean bandage afterwards. This will reduce the risk of infection.

Wear Gloves when Exposing Hands to Water: It is considered wise to wear gloves whenever you wash clothes, dishes or do any other work that requires your hands to be exposed to water for a long period.

This will prevent infection from setting in, making it easier for you to treat the hang nail in the process.

Eat Vitamin and Mineral Rich Foods: Eating foods rich in vitamins and minerals can help strengthen the skin, thus preventing hang nails from occurring.

The main nutrients you need in this case are iron, calcium and Vitamin B. So load your plates with foods containing these nutrients.

Get Regular Manicures: Make it a point to get regular manicures. This will prevent your nails from growing improperly.

It will also keep the nails moisturized and prevent them from chipping or breaking. Ensure to apply transparent nail polish to seal off any torn edges on the skin.

Get in Touch with the Doctor: An infection is an infection at the end of the day. If none of these remedies and tips seems to help you, talk to your doctor about further course of treatment.

He/she will help you clean out the infection from the nail and prescribe medications to treat the same.

Hang nails, although considered as small issues, can turn out to be your worst nightmare. Ensure that you prevent them from occurring by following these tips.

If you already have a hang nail, try getting rid of it with these home remedies instead. You will be amazed with the results for sure.