What Are the Recommended Treatments for an Infected Fingernail?

Internal Medicine, Mass General Brigham

Supervised by Suo Lee, MD

Treating an infected fingernail usually starts with good hygiene, warm soaks, and topical antibiotic creams, and more severe cases may require oral antibiotics or even drainage by a doctor.

Explanation

If you have an infected fingernail, often called paronychia, there are several treatments that can help. For mild to moderate infections, the first step is to keep the area clean. Soaking your finger in warm water with a bit of salt for 10 to 15 minutes a few times a day can help reduce swelling and pain. After soaking, gently dry your hand and apply a topical antibiotic cream to fight the infection. Be sure to wash your hands before and after treating the area to prevent further spreading. If the infection does not improve or if you notice signs like increased pain, pus, or redness spreading, it might be more severe. In these cases, seeing a healthcare provider is important. They may prescribe oral antibiotics to help the body clear the infection. In some cases, if an abscess has formed, the doctor might need to drain it. Following these steps and keeping the affected area protected and clean can help speed up healing. Always consult a healthcare professional for a treatment plan tailored to your situation.

(References)

Relhan V, Goel K, Bansal S, Garg VK. Management of chronic paronychia. Indian J Dermatol. 2014 Jan;59(1):15-20. doi: 10.4103/0019-5154.123482. PMID: 24470654; PMCID: PMC3884921.
Wollina U, Nenoff P, Haroske G, Haenssle HA. The Diagnosis and Treatment of Nail Disorders. Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2016 Jul 25;113(29-30):509-18. doi: 10.3238/arztebl.2016.0509. PMID: 27545710; PMCID: PMC5527843.
Updated 2022 Dec 2]. Available from: [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279546/

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