What should I do if a hair is stuck in the skin around my fingernail and I can't remove it?
Apr 06, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wan
Introduction
If a hair is embedded in the skin around the fingernail and cannot be removed, you can try using a needle or scissors, applying oil, or soaking the area in warm water to extract it. If the skin around the nail is overgrown, the hair may become trapped and difficult to remove. You can gently use a sterilized needle or scissors to carefully remove the hair from the skin. Be careful not to apply excessive force to avoid injuring the skin around the nail.
Hair embedded into the skin around the nail and difficult to remove can be extracted by trying methods such as using a needle or scissors, applying oil, or soaking in warm water. Specific approaches are analyzed below:
1. Using a needle or scissors
If the skin around the nail is overly long, hair may become embedded and difficult to extract. You can gently use a sterilized needle or scissors to carefully remove the hair from the skin. Be careful not to apply excessive force to avoid injuring the skin.
2. Applying oil
If the skin around the nail is injured and has formed a depression, hair may easily become trapped. Apply some oil—such as olive oil or vegetable oil—onto the affected area to make the hair slippery, then gently remove it using a fingernail or toothpick.
3. Soaking in warm water
You may also remove the hair by soaking the area in warm water. Meanwhile, maintain cleanliness and health of the skin around the nail to prevent recurrence of similar issues.
Additionally, if none of the above methods succeed in removing the hair, or if symptoms such as infection or pain occur, it is advisable to seek medical attention promptly for further diagnosis and treatment.
