Make These 6 Inflamed Hangnail Remedies at Home

Inflamed hangnails are a painful and bothersome symptom of ingrown nails, infections or the lack of proper care. They’re small skin inflammation around the nails that occur in the hands and feet. They cause sensitivity, reddening and sometimes pus.

Even though most hangnails cases aren’t serious and often disappear within a short period of time, you should treat them to stop the pain and to prevent other medical conditions. Fortunately, you don’t need to resort to pharmaceutical lotions or products to speed up the healing process.

With the help of some natural ingredients, you can make several homemade remedies that can get the affected nail back to a normal. Go ahead and try them yourself today!

1. Thyme infusion

Thyme is a plant with anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties that can help treat inflamed hangnails. Its components calm the burning sensation and help prevent possible infections.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon of thyme (10 g)
• 1 cup of water (250 ml)

Preparation

• Add the thyme to a a cup of boiling water and cover.
• Let it sit for 10 minutes and strain.

Use

• Dip a cotton ball into the liquid and apply it onto the affected nail.
• Let it sit for 10 minutes and use 2 times a day.

2. Onion

Onion contains sulfur compounds with anti-bacterial effects that make treating the hangnail infections easier. Directly applying them to the area reduces inflammation and helps regenerate the damaged skin.

Ingredients

• ½ onion
• ¼ cup of water (62 ml)

Preparation

• Cut the onion into chunks and blend with water.

Use

• Apply the mixture to the hangnail and let it sit for 20 to 30 minutes.
• Wash off with warm water and repeat twice a day.

3. Carrot and honey

You make an effective hangnail treatment by combining the carrots’ moisturizing and regenerating properties along with the honey’s antibiotic properties. Their nutrients repair skin, relieve pain and help protect the nail from infectious agents.

Ingredients

• 1 carrot
• 2 tablespoon of honey (50 g)

Preparation

• Blend the carrot. Once it becomes a paste, mix it with the honey.

Use

• Spread the treatment onto the nail and let it sit for 30 minutes.
• Wash off with warm water and carefully dry the area.
• Use daily until the skin heals.

4. Garlic and olive oil

Garlic is a natural treatments that help stop skin wound related nail infections. You can maximize this treatment’s effects by adding olive oil, which in turn creates a regenerating and moisturizing cream.

Ingredients

• 1 raw garlic clove
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil (16 g)

Preparation

• Blend the raw garlic clove until it becomes a paste and mix it with the olive oil.

Use

• Rub the paste onto the affected area and cover with a bandage.
• Leave it on for the entire night and use until the hangnail heals.

5. Epsom salts

Epson salts act as a natural antiseptic and help prevent hangnails from getting infected. Using them softens skin, removes dead skin cells and helps the skin regenerate.

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons of Epsom salt (45 g)
• 1 cup of water (250 ml)

Preparation

• Have the salt dissolve the cup of hot water.

Use

• Wash the affected area with the salt water or submerge the area in the water for 20 minutes.
• Use daily until you notice improvement.

6. Turmeric and mustard oil

This anti-bacterial and pain-relieving remedy helps calm the skin sensitivity coming from the inflamed hangnails. Its antioxidants help regenerate the damaged tissue and eventually create a protective layer that blocks fungi and bacteria.

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon of turmeric (5 g)
• 1 tablespoon of mustard oil (15 g)

Preparation

• Mix the turmeric with the mustard oil until a thick paste forms.

Use

• Rub the mixture onto the affected nails and let it sit for 30 or 40 minutes.
• Wash off with warm water and use twice a day.

If you’re noticing any cracks or red areas around your nails, you can try out one of these remedies to cure it quickly. You should moisturize and pamper your skin to prevent inflamed hangnails from forming again.