6 Remedies For Hangnails

If you have a tendency to bite your nails, or if there is excessive drying or peeling of skin around the nails, which leads to a silver patch of torn skin around the finger or toes, then it is a state, colloquially known as “Hangnails.”

Hangnails as such are often painful and there is also the risk of infection if left exposed. It is often accompanied by pus, colouration of the skin to red and swelling. An easy and effective way to avoid hangnails is to moisturize the hands regularly, especially when exposed to water.

Fortunately, hangnails are not serious and if tended to, can also be totally avoided. There are some natural and herbal remedies that go a long way in curing and preventing hangnails. Some of them are as below:

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Various Prevention For Hangnails

Olive

One of the easiest ways to cure and avoid hangnails is my moisturising them and olives which are a rich source of fatty acids can do magic here. This can be done by taking 2 cups of warm water, adding some olive herbs to it, and adding 2 tbsp of olive oil to it. Olives work wonders in moisturizing and helps in ceasing the problem.

This can be repeated five to six times a day for best results. In severe cases, instead of taking water, whisk 2 eggs in a bowl; add a handful of olive herbs and 3-4 tbsp of warm olive oil to it. Dip the fingers in this mixture for 8-10 minutes. Rinse and wash off with warm water.

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Lavender

Widely accepted as an essential oil, the oil extracted from lavender is known to have antiseptic as well as anti-inflammatory properties. As such it is very helpful in curing hangnails as it helps in keeping the hands hydrated. It can be used as an infusion by adding 4-6 drops of the essential oil to a cup of water and then spraying it on the dry area all throughout the day.

Due to its’ aromatic properties, this infusion is therefore often used as a mist. Alternatively, lavender can be used as a toner- make a mixture of lavender and chamomile oil and rub it on the affected area. This can be applied all throughout the day for best results.

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White Cedar

This is one of the effective herb for all types of problems of nails. White cedar is rich in thujone which is a volatile oil and prevents the nail from getting split or brittle. The volatile oil of white cedar affects the absorption of salt, water and electrolytes and the problem of hangnails can be get rid of using this oil.

However, this herb is not recommended for pregnant women.This herb is available as homeopathy therapy in the form of capsules and tincture.

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Calendula

A popular herb with healing qualities, calendula also serves to cure from dry skin, injuries and also wounds. To make a mixture, take some calendula blossoms and mix it with thrice the amount of almond oil or any essential oil.

Store this mixture away from sunlight for a period of at least 15 days and shake it occasionally. Strain the mixture and apply on the affected part. Alternatively a cleanser can be prepared by taking a cup of calendula tea and mixing it with an alcohol free aloe vera gel and rubbed against the skin.

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Turmeric

Of the multiple purposes of turmeric, healing from hangnails is also one of its’ popular usage. An easy way to use turmeric is to take half a cup of mustard oil and roast some turmeric in it. When it is warm enough, take the mixture and apply it on the affected area for at least an hour.

In more severe cases it is advised to make a paste of mustard/almond oil and turmeric and rub it on the affected area. Keep it bandaged overnight. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory qualities, which helps to give relief from pain and gradually heal the skin.

Alternatively, turmeric can be added to warm milk and drunk. Turmeric also has antiseptic properties, which ensures that the body is protected from infections that hangnails can bring with it.

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Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is very effective in keeping the skin moisturized which in turn prevents hangnails. Additionally it is a potential skin healer and soothes dry and flaky skin. The most popular way to use aloe vera is externally in the form of a gel.

This gel can be applied to hands regularly to keep them from chapping, especially after washing with water. Alternatively, a warm mixture can be formed by taking some aloe vera pulp and adding it to turmeric and rubbing it on the skin and the nails.