Isla Bennett
Fingernail infections, or paronychia, are common bacterial or fungal infections that occur around the nail. They are often caused by nail biting, finger sucking, or injuries such as cutting off a hangnail or pushing back a cuticle. Symptoms include redness, swelling, and tenderness around the nail, with possible nail detachment, abnormal shaping, or discolouration. Treatment options include cleaning the infected area with warm water and antibacterial soap, applying over-the-counter antibiotic ointments, or, in more severe cases, seeking medical attention for oral antibiotics or draining the infected area.
How to treat an infected fingernail
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Infection type | Bacterial or fungal |
| Symptoms | Redness, swelling, pain, pus-filled blisters, nail detachment, abnormal nail shape or colour |
| Causes | Nail biting, finger sucking, ingrown nails, injury to the nail area, water exposure |
| Treatment | Clean the area with warm water and antibacterial soap 2-3 times a day, apply over-the-counter antibiotic ointment, topical antibiotics or antifungal medicine |
| Prevention | Stop nail biting, use nail clippers, keep the area clean |
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What You'll Learn
- Clean the infected area with warm water and antibacterial soap
- Apply over-the-counter antibiotic ointment two to three times per day
- Avoid using hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, which can slow healing
- If the infection is severe, a doctor may need to drain the area
- Prevent future infections by avoiding nail biting and finger sucking
Clean the infected area with warm water and antibacterial soap
To treat an infected fingernail, it is important to clean the infected area with warm water and antibacterial soap. This process should be done at least three times a day to ensure the area is thoroughly cleaned and to promote healing.
Firstly, wash your hands gently to ensure you are not transferring any bacteria to the infected area. Then, soak the infected finger in warm water with antibacterial soap for 15 minutes, two to four times a day. You can also add a quarter teaspoon of table salt to the warm water to create a saline solution, which can help remove any pus and loose scabs from the wound. Let the infection soak for at least 10 to 20 minutes each time.
After soaking, carefully and gently pat your finger dry with a clean towel or cloth. It is important to ensure that the infected area is completely dry before applying any ointments or bandages. If there is an open wound, you may also want to irrigate the area, especially if there is any debris present. This involves gently running warm water into and over the wound to clean it out.
If you are experiencing redness, swelling, or pain, you can also apply a warm compress or cloth to the infected finger after cleaning. This can help soothe the area and provide some pain relief.
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Apply over-the-counter antibiotic ointment two to three times per day
To treat an infected fingernail, one method is to apply over-the-counter antibiotic ointment to the infected area. This can be done two to three times per day and is an effective way to combat the infection. It is best to apply the ointment after soaking the infected nail in warm water for 10 to 20 minutes. This helps to open up the nail and surrounding skin, allowing the ointment to penetrate the infected area more effectively.
It is important to keep the infected nail clean, and this should be done two to three times per day. Use warm water and an antibacterial soap to gently clean the area. This helps to prevent the spread of the infection and keeps the area sterile. Ensure you dry the area thoroughly after cleaning, as moisture can encourage bacterial growth.
When applying the ointment, ensure you cover the entire infected area, including the base of the nail and the surrounding skin. Gently massage the ointment into the skin, taking care not to cause further damage or pain. The ointment should be applied until the infection disappears. If the infection has not improved after four or five days, or if it appears to be spreading beyond the nail, it is important to seek medical advice.
Fingernail infections can be caused by various factors, including nail biting, ingrown nails, finger sucking, and injuries such as biting or cutting hangnails or pushing back cuticles. These activities can cause breaks in the skin, allowing bacteria or fungi to enter and cause an infection. It is important to address these behaviours and encourage your child to stop biting, picking, or chewing their fingernails.
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Avoid using hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, which can slow healing
An infected fingernail, or paronychia, is a common bacterial or fungal skin infection that occurs around the nails. It can be caused by an injury, such as biting or cutting off a hangnail, or from pushing back the cuticle. Symptoms include redness, swelling, and pain around the nail, and there may be pus-filled blisters. While mild cases can be treated at home, it is important to avoid using hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, which can slow down the healing process.
Although hydrogen peroxide is often used to clean wounds and prevent infection, it is not suitable for daily treatment. Hydrogen peroxide is cytotoxic, meaning it kills cells on contact. This can inhibit healing, as the body needs to be able to mount an inflammatory reaction to heal wounds and cuts. Therefore, using hydrogen peroxide on an infected fingernail can actually hinder the healing process.
Similarly, alcohol should be avoided when treating an infected fingernail. Alcohol also has cytotoxic properties and can damage cells, disrupting the healing process. Instead of using hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, it is recommended to keep the infected area clean by washing it with clean water twice a day. This will help remove any debris or dirt that may be causing or contributing to the infection.
In addition to avoiding hydrogen peroxide and alcohol, it is important to seek professional medical advice if the infection is severe or does not improve with home treatment. Healthcare providers can prescribe antibiotics or antifungal medications to treat the infection effectively. They may also need to drain the infected area or take a tissue sample to test for specific bacteria or fungi causing the infection.
In summary, when treating an infected fingernail, it is important to avoid using hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, as these substances can slow down the healing process by inhibiting the body's natural inflammatory response. Instead, gentle cleaning with water twice a day is recommended to keep the area clean and promote healing. For severe or persistent infections, it is always best to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation and treatment.
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If the infection is severe, a doctor may need to drain the area
An infected fingernail, or paronychia, is a common skin infection around the nail. It is often caused by an injury, such as biting a hangnail or pushing back a cuticle, which allows bacteria or fungi to enter through the skin. Symptoms include redness, swelling, pain, and warmth around the nail. In some cases, there may be pus-filled blisters, indicating a bacterial infection.
If the infection is severe and has been ongoing, a doctor may need to drain the infected area. This procedure is known as an incision and drainage and is performed to release pus build-up and reduce pressure. Before the procedure, the patient's finger is placed in ice water to numb the area and soften the cuticle. Alternatively, a digital nerve block can be administered to numb the area.
During the procedure, the doctor will clean the infected area with a sterilizing solution. Then, using a small blade, they will make a stab incision under the skin, parallel to the nail. This allows the pus to drain out. The patient may feel immediate relief as the pressure is released.
After the procedure, it is important to keep the area clean and soak the finger in warm water every two hours for the next two days. Antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent further infection. With proper care and treatment, the infection should clear up, and the nail should return to its healthy state.
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Prevent future infections by avoiding nail biting and finger sucking
Paronychia, a common skin infection around the nails, can be caused by biting or cutting off a hangnail or pushing back a cuticle. To prevent such infections, it is important to avoid nail biting and finger sucking. Nail biting can damage the tissue that makes nails grow, resulting in abnormal-looking nails. It can also leave you vulnerable to infection as you pass harmful bacteria and viruses from your mouth to your fingers and from your nails to your face and mouth.
To stop nail biting, dermatologists recommend keeping your nails short and applying bitter nail polish. Carrying a cuticle cutter or cuticle nipper can help you address hangnails or nail injuries with a tool instead of your teeth. Keeping your nails painted can also help deter nail biting, as you may be less inclined to bite them and chip the polish.
Other tips to avoid nail biting include swapping the habit for chewing gum or sucking on hard candy, and finding something else to do with your hands, such as knitting or playing with a fidget toy. Applying cuticle oil and lotion can also help, as it can make your nails healthier and stronger, reducing the temptation to bite them.
If you are triggered by certain thoughts or beliefs, known as cognitive triggers, you may want to consider addressing these underlying causes. For example, if you tend to bite your nails when you are bored or anxious, you could try to find alternative ways to comfort yourself in these emotional states.
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Frequently asked questions
Symptoms of an infected fingernail include redness, swelling, and tenderness of the area where the nail meets the tissue of the finger. In more serious cases, there may be pus-filled blisters.
Fingernail infections are caused by bacteria entering the skin around the nail. Nail biting, ingrown nails, finger sucking, and cutting off hangnails can all cause skin breakdown, allowing bacteria to enter.
Keep the area clean by washing it with warm water and an antibacterial soap 2-3 times a day. You can also apply an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment 2-3 times a day, especially after soaking the area in warm water for 10-20 minutes. Do not use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, which can slow healing.
If the infection has not cleared up after 4-5 days, seek medical attention. Also, seek medical attention if the nail appears detached, abnormally shaped, or discoloured, or if the infection appears to be spreading beyond the nail.
To prevent fingernail infections, avoid nail biting, finger sucking, and picking at hangnails.
