Hangnail Treatment: 7 Steps to Heal Fast and Prevent Infection

A hangnail is a torn piece of cuticle. Treat promptly to avoid paronychia (nail fold infection).

Step-by-Step

1. Cleanse: Wash with soap/water; pat dry.
2. Trim: Sterile cuticle nippers; cut flush at base—do not pull.
3. Antiseptic: Apply bacitracin/polymyxin or diluted chlorhexidine.
4. Protect: Small bandage or liquid bandage (if not infected).
5. Moisturize: Cuticle oil/cream 3x daily (prevents recurrence).
6. Keep Dry: Gloves for wet work; avoid soaking.
7. Monitor: Redness spreading, throbbing pain, pus, fever → see clinician for oral antibiotics.

Prevention

• Daily cuticle oil.
• Gloves for cleaning/chemicals.
• Don't bite/pick.
• File nails smoothly.

Most heal in 3–5 days. Diabetics/immunocompromised: lower threshold for medical eval.