How do you get rid of a big hangnail?

How to remove a hangnail

1. Wash your hands. Start with a clean slate.
2. Moisturize your hands. After drying your hands, Dr.
3. Gently clip the hangnail. Use a pair of sterile nail clippers or cuticle cutters to gently clip the hangnail off, says Dr.
4. Moisturize again.

Is a hangnail infection serious?

In most cases, infected hangnails are temporary, mild, and can be treated at home. If the hangnail develops an abscess or starts producing pus, it may need to be drained by a doctor. Avoid doing this at home, as improper drainage can lead to further complications.

Can you pull a hangnail out?

If you get a hangnail, you should not attempt to rip or pull it off. If you pull on it, you may pull off additional skin that will open more inner skin layers to bacteria. This can also aggravate the hangnail area, which can cause it to become red and slightly inflamed.

Why are hangnails so painful?

The reason they hurt so badly comes down to their location. “There are many nerve endings and blood vessels in this area,” says Dr. Davis. In addition, hangnails usually come with inflammation, and that swelling can press on and irritate all those nerve endings.

How long does it take for a hangnail to go away?

You may need a prescription for an antibiotic in topical or oral form. If pus is present, your doctor may need to drain the infected area. This removes the bacteria and may help relieve pressure in the area. Once treated by stronger medications, the hangnail should clear up within 5 to 7 days.

How do you drain an infected hangnail at home?

How to drain a finger paronychia

1. Place the patient’s finger in a cup of ice water until they can’t stand it anymore to numb the finger.
2. When the finger is numb, clean the cuticle with the sterilizing solution.
3. Stab under the skin parallel to the nail, using your #11 blade.
4. You will immediately see pus come out.

Does ice help a hangnail?

An inflamed hangnail isn’t necessarily an infected hangnail—yet—but you’ll need to keep an eye on it during treatment. Treat inflamed hangnails with ice and over-the-counter pain medication to help with the symptoms, says Dr.

How do you stop a hangnail from throbbing?

Follow these steps for home treatment:

1. Soak the infected area in warm water once or twice a day for 20 minutes.
2. After your initial soak, cut the hangnail off.
3. Rub vitamin E oil or cream on the affected area to prevent another hangnail.
4. Use a topical antibiotic cream on the infected hangnail for a few days.