Hangnails on fingers are one of the most common troubles in hand care. Besides the fact that it looks unattractive, the appearance of hangnails is often accompanied by painful sensations, and also exposes you to a number of infections. A hangnail is a crack in the skin of the nail fold followed by redness of this area.
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What are hangnails and why do they appear?
A hangnail is a break in the skin in the area of the nail fold.
In addition to the fact that skin breaks do not look aesthetically pleasing, they can cause discomfort to the owner - in most cases, the appearance of breaks is accompanied by painful sensations, and in the absence of proper treatment, it is complemented by paronychia - inflammation of the cushion.
Reasons for appearance:
- insufficient hand skin care;
- prolonged or systematic contact with chemicals - household products, disinfectants;
- long stay of hands in water;
- violations of cutting manicure technology;
- low-quality materials for coating or extension;
- injury to the upper layer of the epidermis in the area of the cushion, for example, a cut.
In addition to superficial, external reasons, there are also internal ones:
- lack of vitamins and minerals. Usually these are vitamins A and E, as well as everything from group B;
- diabetes;
- dehydration of the body.
If none of the external signs have anything to do with your situation, consult a specialist to rule out the presence of diseases. Diabetes mellitus or a lack of specific vitamins can only be detected through tests.
Getting a nail injury
Regardless of the cause of the injury, the process in the area near the nail proceeds the same:
Impact, other damage; Rupture of blood vessels, disruption of nerve endings; Formation of bruising, disruption of metabolic processes; Change in color of the nail plate and the area nearby; Dying of the nail; Growth of a new plate.
If the injury is severe, the color of the damaged area changes immediately, and pain is felt constantly. The finger swells, turns red, and hurts. If the swelling extends to the foot, there is a possibility of damage to the phalanx.
The traumatologist will prescribe treatment that relieves pain and accelerates the regeneration of the nail plate. Due to the unprotected matrix under the nail, the area nearby hurts. Bandages, anti-inflammatory and painkillers are prescribed to alleviate the condition.
Fingertips
What happens if you don't treat it?
Such a harmless problem as hangnails can cause complications. Due to the exposed areas of the skin where breaks have formed, pathogenic microorganisms can enter the body and provoke:
- staphylococcus;
- streptococcus.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a dangerous causative agent of infections associated with the gastrointestinal tract and genitourinary system, can also enter the body.
Green nails and pseudomonia disease: causes, diagnosis and treatment options
Next we will discuss how to treat hangnails, but self-treatment is only possible if the ruptures are the result of external factors. For internal causes such as diabetes or vitamin deficiency, the cause must first be eliminated or stabilized.
Ingrown nail
Often the area around the toenail hurts due to an ingrown toenail. There are a lot of factors that provoke the appearance:
Failure to follow the pedicure technique, the corners of the nail are processed incorrectly; Wearing shoes with a pointed toe, putting pressure on the areas of the toes near the nails; Abnormal position of the foot due to flat feet; Swelling, excess weight; Infection of the feet with fungi.
Popular treatment options:
Treatment with a laser beam of the skin on the toes around the nail; Exposure to radio waves; Complete removal of the damaged nail.
You can cope with the pathology at home, using folk remedies and conservative treatment. Measures:
Changing shoes to comfortable ones; Using antibacterial, antifungal drugs; Keeping feet clean; Professional pedicure.
By constantly following the rules, the likelihood of pathology occurring near the toenails is minimized.
How to delete
The most important thing is not to peel or bite off the skin. Any wrong movement will increase the skin break and make the pain worse.
How to remove a hangnail:
- Keep your fingertips in a bath of warm water - 30-40°C . You can add a couple of drops of olive or any other oil to the water;
- Use sharp cuticle tweezers or nail scissors to cut off a piece of skin.. Do this in one motion so as not to leave a fringe. Please note that the tool must be well sharpened. A trimmer is also used to remove burrs - this is a device with a metal forked tip. If the trimmer is used incorrectly, inflammation may occur or the tears may increase in size. For this reason, it is not recommended to remove the skin with a trimmer yourself;
- Apply antibacterial ointment to your skin to speed up healing and prevent bacteria from entering . Pharmacy “Levomekol”, “Baneotsin” are suitable for these purposes. Tetracycline ointment is often used, but it has a large list of contraindications, so read the instructions before use.
After removing a protruding hangnail, wait until the skin dries a little - 1-2 days. After this, you can use home or cosmetic remedies to speed up healing, nourish and moisturize the skin of the nail folds.
When performing a hardware manicure, you can remove burrs with a cutter only if they are dry and painless. In other cases, it is better to abandon this method in favor of cutting with pliers.
Local inflammation
With a serious form of panaritium, the bone of the phalanx of the finger is damaged. There are two infections that provoke the formation of the process when they enter tissue:
Staphylococcus aureus, enterococci, group infections; Pseudomonas aeruginosa, intestinal infection.
At risk are people with pathologies of the immune system, vitamin deficiency, and those who have had infectious diseases. Be careful if damage appears around your fingernails.
If not treated in time, inflammatory processes affect bones and joints - the disease is difficult to treat, and the limbs hurt greatly. Treatment consists of taking antibiotics, antibacterial drugs, treating the damaged surface with ointments and gels to prevent the development of infection. In rare cases, the intervention of a surgeon is required to remove the abscess - the finger turns red and is very painful.
Before treatment, the cause is determined, pain around the fingernails is relieved, and the source is eliminated.
Home treatments
Traditional methods are used if no complications have appeared, and the hangnails are at the initial stage. Before using the described recipes, make sure that there is no inflammation on the affected roller and no pus is secreted.
Oil bath
Hangnails most often appear on dry skin, so oil baths do an excellent job of moisturizing and nourishing.
For an oil bath use:
- vegetable oil – ½ cup;
- tea tree essential oil for disinfection – 5-6 drops;
- clove oil for anti-inflammatory effect – 3-4 drops. By the way, it is not recommended to use a little cloves before reaching 15-16 years of age;
- sea buckthorn oil for healing – 1 tbsp. l.
Mix all the listed ingredients and place in a water bath. After the oil mixture has warmed up to 30-40 degrees, lower your fingertips and leave for 20 minutes.
Do not wash off the remaining oil - it is better to rub it into the side and back ridges of the nails with light massage movements.
Aloe mask
Aloe has anti-inflammatory, moisturizing and healing effects and does not require any additives.
- To prepare the mask, grind a few aloe leaves into a paste. This can be done using a blender, meat grinder or knife;
- Apply the mixture to your nails and the skin around them and wrap with cling film;
- You need to keep the mask on for at least 30 minutes, or better yet, put cosmetic cotton gloves on top and leave it on overnight.
You can repeat the aloe mask without restrictions until the hangnails completely disappear.
Soda bath
A soda bath prevents inflammation and also disinfects bare areas. To prepare the liquid, simply mix 1 tsp. baking soda with 1 liter. boiled warm water.
Keep your hands in water for 10-15 minutes, then rinse under running water and moisturize with cream. Pay special attention to the problem area of the fingers - rub the cream into the rollers with light circular movements.
Herbal bath
- Mix chamomile, sage and calendula purchased at the pharmacy. For infusion, 1 tbsp is enough. l. each herb;
- Pour boiling water over the mixture, pour into a thermos and leave for 40 minutes;
- Strain the infusion using a sieve into a container for taking a manicure bath;
- Place your fingers in the still warm infusion for 10-15 minutes.
There is no need to wash off the remaining liquid from the skin - just wipe it with a towel or napkin and moisturize with cream. You can repeat the bath every day until the problem disappears completely.
Hand masks: 30 homemade recipes
Other reasons
Sometimes pain in the fingers near the nails is caused by specific causes. Peeling, cracks in the skin, when infected, provoke inflammation, characterized by pain and redness. Even without infection, the processes cause discomfort.
Often an abscess on the toes is the result of a banal splinter. A small splinter under the nail does not hurt until inflammation begins. Remove the splinter and treat the area around with an anti-inflammatory agent.
Inflammation, pain in the nail area and on the fingers, is caused by a fungus and leads to injuries on the skin, around the nails, and on the entire surface of the fingers. The toe appears externally damaged and unsightly, especially the nail. Self-medication is inappropriate here; at the first suspicion of skin damage by a fungus, consult a doctor. Mycosis is an insidious disease; in its advanced form it is difficult to cure. The fungus is dangerous to others.
In conclusion, we note that following the rules of hygiene, monitoring the condition of the feet and fingers will help to avoid diseases in the area near the nails. If your nails and fingers hurt, or signs of inflammation appear, a consultation with a dermatologist is necessary.
If your toe hurts near the nail, then remember if you hit it recently. If not, it could be a sign of infection or developing nail fungus.
From the moment Homo sapiens began to walk upright, the heaviest load always falls on the legs. Due to certain reasons, we are faced with a number of unpleasant moments that prevent us from moving freely and doing our usual things. One of these unpleasant moments is pain in the nails of the big toes. It is almost impossible to independently understand the reasons why your thumbnail hurts; this can only be done by a competent specialist with the help of special equipment and experience. Let's try to make a few assumptions regarding what could cause pain in the big toe and the area around the nail.
Salon treatments
Salon procedures are more preventative than therapeutic. They help moisturize the skin and cope with minor hangnails at an early stage.
Among salon procedures, the most effective against the development of hangnails are:
- hot manicure. Procedure using heated to 35°-40°C. lotion. Thanks to the rich composition of the product used and its creamy consistency, the skin of the hands is saturated with moisture and also receives beneficial substances. Depending on the brand of lotion, these may be vitamins A and E, oils, and natural extracts. For example, Domix's hot manicure includes coconut oil, vitamin E, and olive and cocoa bean extracts;
Hot manicure - how to do it, what products are needed - paraffin therapy .
Hot paraffin, especially with a nourishing or moisturizing cream applied underneath, allows you to saturate the deep layers with moisture, as well as soften dry side ridges and burrs; Paraffin therapy for hands - what is it, benefits and step-by-step instructions - peeling. This is a way to remove dead cells, give the skin access to air and start the regeneration process. For peeling, you can use ready-made products, for example, fruit from Sagitta. It contains acids as well as delicate scrubbing particles. When using peeling, make sure that the hangnails are not inflamed - this may worsen their condition.
Any of the presented salon procedures can be done at home, but to combat hangnails, it is better to entrust your hands to a professional. The specialist will help you choose the appropriate method, and also give advice on caring for your hand skin and preventing the appearance of hangnails.
Complications
A limited inflammatory purulent process can turn into not only diffuse (phlegmonous) inflammation. Abscess formation (formation of a deep abscess limited by a capsule) is also possible. Other complications include damage to joints, ligaments, and vascular thrombosis. In weakened patients with problematic immunity, septic conditions and infectious-toxic shock with circulatory disorders and vital organs may develop. Due to multiple organ failure, the patient may die. This is not a standard, but possible situation, for example, in a patient with concomitant AIDS.
Cosmetical tools
El Corazon, Cuticle repair wax for fast healing of hangnails
The product is in a stick, like a hygienic lipstick. It has an anti-inflammatory effect and moisturizes the cuticle, but it contains mineral oils - petroleum products. Use the product as needed and remove from care as soon as the hangnails are gone.
Contains peach extract and candelilla wax.
Mavala Cuticle Remover
The product is used in the unedged manicure procedure to soften the skin and prevent the appearance of hangnails. Thanks to its gentle composition, it can be used in the treatment of children's fingers.
Application : apply the product to the cuticle and leave for 1 minute. Remove the residue with a cotton swab, and move the softened cuticle with twisting movements to the base of the nail.
Regular use of Mavala Cuticle Remover allows you to forget about hangnails and significantly reduce cuticle buildup.
Patrisa Nail, Cuticle Fluid Cream
Cream for moisturizing dry cuticles and preventing the appearance of hangnails. Can be used after a manicure procedure or as an independent product.
The manufacturer also suggests trying the fluid cream before trimming your manicure to soften the skin.
CND, Solar Oil
The main purpose of any product to combat hangnails is hydration. Therefore, high-quality oil, such as from CND, is an excellent prevention of ruptures. Contains natural oils and vitamins.
Can be used for daily care of cuticles and nail folds.
Inflammation after improper removal of a hangnail
Paronychia (inflammation of the nail fold) or periungual whitlow may eventually develop . An extremely unpleasant twitching pain appears, swelling may develop, hyperemia and even suppuration will appear.
With such symptoms, it is urgent to take appropriate measures in order to prevent further complications. In rare cases, the inflammatory process can develop into more severe forms and go under the nail, spread to the tendons and even to the bone.
So, typical complaints to the doctor - a hangnail has been pulled out or torn off, a finger is swollen, what to do or a sore finger after removing a hangnail, the nail fold has festered...
Prevention of occurrence
Preventing hangnails is much easier than treating them, so make sure you:
- the skin of my hands was always moisturized . This also applies to brushes in general and thin skin around the nails. Use creams with vitamins, minerals and natural extracts. For example, Deep Comfort from Clinique for hands and nails with fatty acids and vitamins;
- vitamins, minerals and fatty acids entered the body . Eat fish, nuts, fruits and vegetables. If you cannot balance your diet, purchase a vitamin complex or supplement to fill the deficiency - Solgar, Evalar;
- Avoid trimmed manicures - they are a common cause of hangnails. Pay attention to European or hardware, these techniques cause less damage to the rollers and do not leave “fringes” - grounds for further ruptures;
Unedged European manicure - try not to keep your hands in water for a long time and avoid skin contact with chemicals . Wear rubber gloves for cleaning.
Cuticle Care Rules - A Guide to Products and Procedures
Possible causes of pain
If your toe hurts near the nail, then most likely this condition was caused by injury or mechanical damage to the skin. Sometimes this happens due to wearing tight shoes. The cause may also be ingrown nails. If the irritating factor is not eliminated in time, the pain will intensify and recur, as a result, an inflammatory process may begin and suppuration may appear.
Very often, female representatives of the big toe hurt, especially those who love high heels. As a rule, arthritis and arthrosis are caused by this factor. Due to constant curvature, the thumb begins to become deformed and hurt. If we talk about the male population, pain in the leg near the nail can be caused by gout. This is a very serious disease that requires immediate diagnosis and quality treatment.
Another cause of toe pain can be nail fungus. The easiest way to catch this infection is to wear wet socks, walk in someone else's shoes, or stand barefoot in a public pool or sauna. Fortunately, modern medicine can fight this infection and offers a huge number of antifungal drugs that can be bought at every pharmacy.
When to see a doctor
In some cases, applying aloe masks and doing a hot manicure every other day is useless, since the reason lies in a malfunction of the body:
- a lot of hangnails appeared on my hands . If all fingers are affected and there is a gap on each finger, consult a therapist to determine the picture of the disease;
- The inflammation does not go away within 3-5 days . Ideally, inflammation should subside within 2-3 days. If after 5 days the inflammation of the cushion does not decrease, go to the doctor;
- the periungual ridges began to break out, and pus was formed and discharged.
Do not self-medicate if there is no improvement within a few days. Contact your doctor so that he can order tests and recommend ointments for quick healing based on your picture of the disease.
What do you think is the most effective way to deal with hangnails? Share your opinion in the comments!
How to get rid of hangnails
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Systemic diseases of the whole body
The cause of pain in the skin around the nail is the presence of a systemic disease in the body. More often, pain appears in the entire phalanx, near the nail of the big toes. Such manifestations are symptoms of diseases:
Arthrosis; Arthritis; Impaired functioning of the cardiovascular system.
The finger, with vascular diseases, changes color to white, with blue. The finger hurts, it brings a lot of inconvenience.
Diabetes is also the cause of pain in the fingers near the nails. The disease, as additional symptoms, causes burning, cracking, and pain in the feet.
