What should be applied to a nail after the removal of a hang nail?

After the removal of a hangnail, applying an antiseptic is important to prevent infection and promote healing. Since hangnails are often associated with small tears or injuries in the surrounding skin, applying an antiseptic helps clean the area and reduce the risk of bacterial growth, which is crucial for maintaining nail and skin health.

While pumice powder is used for exfoliation and cuticle oil is beneficial for moisturizing the cuticles and surrounding skin, neither addresses the immediate concern of preventing potential infection following the removal of a hangnail. A base coat is typically applied before nail polish to protect the nail but does not serve any healing or antiseptic purpose in this context. Therefore, the application of an antiseptic is the most appropriate step following the removal of a hangnail.