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An infected finger can be extremely painful and brand it difficult for you to complete your normal daily activities. The proficient news is that you tin can successfully articulate up virtually finger infections at dwelling house without needing extensive medical treatment. However, if the infection seems to be getting worse or if you lot develop a fever, see a physician immediately. Keeping your hands and fingernails clean and dry tin can help preclude further infections.[1]

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    Clean the infected surface area at least 3 times a solar day. Wash your easily gently, so soak the infected area in warm water with an antibacterial soap or plain warm water. Y'all can also use a solution of 1 U.s. qt (0.95 L) of h2o mixed with 2 teaspoons (10 g) of table common salt to remove any pus and loose scabs from the wound. Let the infection soak for at least 10 to twenty minutes each time.[2]

    • After you've finished soaking the area, carefully and gently pat information technology dry.
    • If you accept a cut or open wound that needs to be covered with a bandage, permit the infected area to dry thoroughly before you put the bandage on.

    Tip: Brand sure the surface area is thoroughly dry at all times. Putting a bandage on clammy skin can trap wet that may worsen your infection.

  2. 2

    Apply an antibiotic ointment to the wound after you cease cleaning it. This will aid to treat the infected finger while also protecting it and promoting healing. Utilize a thin layer over the infected expanse of your finger.[iii]

    • If the ointment causes your skin to intermission out in a rash, wash it off immediately and end using it. This is uncommon, but it'due south important to check.

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    Bandage open cuts or wounds to prevent the introduction of bacteria. You typically don't want to bandage an infection so it's exposed to plenty of oxygen and stays dry. However, if you still have a cut or an open wound, cover it with a make clean, dry bandage. This will keep it clean and then the infection doesn't worsen or spread.[four]

    • Make sure the area is completely dry out earlier you apply the cast. If you're using an agglutinative bandage, the cast part should entirely embrace the wound and then that you're not getting any of the agglutinative on broken skin.

    Tip: Wearable rubber gloves while applying a bandage to ensure both sides of the bandage remain sterile.

  4. 4

    Immobilize your finger with a splint if a joint is affected. If you have any swelling or redness effectually any of the joints of your fingers, put on a padded splint to continue your articulation from moving. This volition help the infection heal more than quickly and keep information technology from spreading.[5]

    • You tin buy finger splints at pharmacies and discount stores without a prescription. Make sure y'all get the right size for your finger. Don't put information technology on so tight that it cuts off the circulation in your finger.

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    Try over-the-counter (OTC) antibiotic ointments. Y'all tin can get OTC antibiotic ointments at whatsoever pharmacy or discount shop without a prescription. After washing your hands, use the ointment gently so that it covers the infected area and the immediately surrounding skin.[6]

    • If you're applying the ointment to someone else, make sure your hands are clean or wear gloves when you apply the ointment.
    • If you demand to cast the area, allow the ointment to dry before yous apply the cast.

  6. 6

    Bleed the pus gently if necessary. Often an infection will build upward a small bubble or blister of pus. This pus typically will beginning to bleed on its own as the infection starts to clear. If you meet the expanse oozing pus, gently press effectually the area to assist in draining the pus.[vii]

    • Wear safe gloves any time y'all're touching infected skin and be gentle. Be conscientious not to break the pare, which could spread the infection.
    • Wash the infected area gently after draining the pus, and then pat dry and cover the open wound.
    • Do not puncture the skin any further to release the pus. See your doctor if y'all feel the infected area needs to exist drained.

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    Call your doctor immediately if you develop a fever. A fever may be a sign that the infection has spread to your bloodstream, where it can cause serious problems. If you have fifty-fifty the slightest fever or start to feel sick or queasy, phone call your doctor right away.

    • Typically the infection tin can be treated with oral antibiotics. However, these need to be started every bit soon as possible to be constructive.
    • If you accept a fever and delay seeking medical treatment, the infection may crave more serious intervention that necessitates a hospital stay.

  2. 2

    Monitor the infected area to see if it spreads or worsens. Equally you treat the infection, brand sure the infected area doesn't get any larger. If the swelling increases or the peel grows redder or changes colour, have a md look at it as soon every bit possible.[eight]

    • If the infection is near your nail, monitor the boom for changes in color or thickness. If the boom grows discolored or thickens, this may indicate that the nail is also infected. A physician will exist able to further assess the condition and determine whether the nail needs to exist removed.

    Tip: Nail infections are difficult to treat because OTC ointments tin't penetrate the surface of the smash. Even after the infection in the surrounding skin is cleared, infection may remain in the nail.

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    Wait 4 to v days to see if the infection goes away. If you keep the area clean and use OTC antibiotic ointment, the infection should go away within a few days. However, if information technology doesn't seem to be getting any ameliorate after 4 or 5 days, seek medical handling even if you lot oasis't noticed any other symptoms.[nine]

    • If the infection seems to be getting worse, or if you lot're experiencing symptoms y'all didn't feel before, have a doctor look at it.

    Tip: An infection that refuses to go away could be an indication of a more serious underlying condition. you'll only know this if you accept a doctor appraise your status.

  4. 4

    Have antibiotics as directed. If your dr. prescribes a course of antibiotics, accept the complete form until they are gone. Don't cease taking the antibiotics, fifty-fifty if you experience better or the condition of your finger improves.[10]

    • If you stop taking a class of antibiotics early on, the infection may return.

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    Get a tetanus shot if necessary. If y'all accept a puncture wound from a nail or other slice of metal, particularly rusty metallic, or drinking glass, become a tetanus shot equally soon as possible to prevent an infection from developing.[eleven]

    • Any wound contaminated with soil, dirt, or saliva may besides exist at higher run a risk for carrying the bacteria that causes tetanus.
    • If a tetanus infection isn't treated promptly, it could be fatal.

  2. 2

    Trim your fingernails with clippers afterward showering. Later on a shower, your nails are at their softest. This is the best time to trim them. Use sterile clippers and avoid cutting them as well short. Never trim your cuticles, which can go out your smash beds open to bacteria, leading to an infection.[12]

    • Never bite your nails or cuticles, or pick at your cuticles with your fingers. This introduces bacteria to the area, which can result in infection.

    Tip: Getting manicures tin can put y'all at a higher risk of getting finger infections. If you get manicures, make sure the tools are sterilized or bring your own.

  3. 3

    Wear prophylactic gloves when washing dishes, gardening, or doing chores. Exposing your easily to continual moisture tin can weaken and impairment your pare, allowing for the introduction of bacteria. Moist conditions let that leaner to grow and increase the run a risk of infection. Wrap safe gloves that are lined with cotton to assistance keep your easily dry and make clean.[13]

    • You lot should likewise wearable rubber gloves any time there'south a gamble your hands might come up into contact with chemicals, such as if you're cleaning the kitchen or bath.

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    Go along your easily make clean and dry. Wash your hands afterwards using the lavatory and whatsoever time they're exposed to directly to soil or to dirty or soiled items. Pat your easily gently until the skin is completely dry.[14]

    • If you discover that you sweat a lot, especially in warmer months, go along a soft cloth or towel to dry your hands with.
    • Employ lotion to your easily later you launder them as well. This will help to keep them moisturized and provide an extra barrier confronting irritants.[15]

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    Wash, disinfect, and cast cuts promptly. If a cut isn't cleaned and bandaged within 8 hours, it may go infected. Launder the surface area gently with warm water and anti-bacterial soap, then pat it dry. Utilize a sterile bandage that completely covers the wounded area.[xvi]

    • For deeper cuts, it may be necessary to irrigate. Run warm water gently into and over the wound to clean it out. If you lot notice any droppings in the wound, you may desire to get a tetanus shot just to exist on the safe side.
    • Change the dressing on cuts at to the lowest degree once every 24 hours, or whenever you wash the surface area.

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  • If yous are diabetic or have a weak immune organisation, you may be more susceptible to infection.[17]

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