Be careful when pulling out a hangnail

[odanny]

Hard to believe one can get a staph infection from pulling out a hangnail but it just happened. The problem is it breaks off and what remains under the skin will cause your finger to swell when it keeps growing, and will be painful. The staph infection just bad luck, but also swelling and you have to get it drained at the doctor, and probably have to take an antibiotic so infection won't spread.

This is the culprit right here. 10 mm. Almost needle sharp on top end. Thankfully just fell out on its own the next day, into the bandaid. Cuticle trimmers rather than pulling them out.

 

[jwoodie]

Pulling them out with a sharp motion is better than peeling them back.

 

[odanny]

Pulling them out with a sharp motion is better than peeling them back.

For sure, I've always done that, but sometimes they break off under the skin.

 

[1srelluc]

Pro-tip.....Soak the offending digit in warm salt water till you "prune", then remove it. Easy-peasy.

Not the digit, the hangnail you dumbass.

 

[odanny]

Pro-tip.....Soak the offending digit in warm salt water till you "prune", then remove it. Easy-peasy.

Not the digit, the hangnail you dumbass.

Yea, soaked the digit for 1/2 hour before the drain, it almost popped on its own.

 

[1srelluc]

Yea, soaked the digit for 1/2 hour before the drain, it almost popped on its own.

You should really soak your toenails before cutting them, it makes it a lot easier. Right after a hot shower usually works fine.

 

[odanny]

The doctor originally prescribed nothing more than soaking the digit 3 times a day in warm water with dish soap, I believe the reason for this was for the nail to eventually come out (I don't remember exactly) but with it out I'm done now. Hopefully the infection is no more.

 

[Muhammed]

Hard to believe one can get a staph infection from pulling out a hangnail but it just happened. The problem is it breaks off and what remains under the skin will cause your finger to swell when it keeps growing, and will be painful. The staph infection just bad luck, but also swelling and you have to get it drained at the doctor, and probably have to take an antibiotic so infection won't spread.

This is the culprit right here. 10 mm. Almost needle sharp on top end. Thankfully just fell out on its own the next day, into the bandaid. Cuticle trimmers rather than pulling them out.

View attachment 1099290

If you asked me I'd say keep it moist with some vitamin E. Or if the pain is really bugging you, I recommend applying some toothache gel containing benzocaine on it such as OTC Ambesol gel or Orajel.

That should take the edge off.

 

[odanny]

If you asked me I'd say keep it moist with some vitamin E. Or if the pain is really bugging you, I recommend applying some toothache gel containing benzocaine on it such as OTC Ambesol gel or Orajel.

That should take the edge off.

Good advice, not thought of that. Soon as they drain it the pain goes away, I think I'm good now, but a lesson has been learned.

Soak first!