How do you treat an infected fingernail?

How do you treat an infected fingernail?

The steps are simple.

1. Apply warm compresses or soak the finger in warm, soapy water for 10 to 20 minutes, at least twice a day.
2. Apply antibiotic or antifungal cream.
3. Keep the infected area covered with a sterile bandage.

How long do fingernail infections last?

The infection is only in the nail fold and doesn’t extend deeper inside the finger or toe. Symptoms go away with treatment and last less than six weeks. Chronic paronychia: Symptoms develop more slowly than acute paronychia, and they usually last six weeks or longer.

How do I get rid of a bacterial infection on my nail?

A person with mild, acute paronychia can try soaking the affected finger or toe in warm water three to four times a day. If symptoms do not improve, seek further treatment. When a bacterial infection causes acute paronychia, a doctor may recommend an antibiotic, such as dicloxacillin or clindamycin.

When should I go to the doctor for an infected fingernail?

These types of infections can cause long-term problems if they are not treated quickly. See your doctor right away if you have trouble moving your fingers, if your entire finger is swollen, or if touching your finger hurts badly.

Can paronychia heal on its own?

Treating paronychia depends on how severe the infection is and whether it has started to spread. Often, soaking the infected nail in warm water for 20 minutes a few times a day will help it heal on its own in a few days. If there’s an abscess, a doctor might need to drain it.

What does a fingernail infection look like?

Nail fungus can cause the nail to become thick or ragged and appear yellow, green, brown or black. An infected nail may separate from the nail bed. Nail fungus is a common condition that begins as a white or yellow spot under the tip of your fingernail or toenail.