Finger infection

Trying to treat your own finger infection can save you from a trip to the doctor and unwanted medical costs. If you have a finger swollen around the nail, you can try common home remedies in an effort to heal your finger. They use everyday household products and are better for your body. Spending a day doing these things could save you the hassle of dealing with the medical system, which can often be a drawn-out process that yields no better results than you can gain at home.

Finger infections are commonplace. Like the ingrown toenail, it affects the skin surrounding the nail. The main symptom is the finger swollen around the nail. This can cause pain, irritation, and advanced infections. Before visiting a doctor, you may be able to treat this minor infection with home remedies.

Be Sure You Have a Finger Infection

If your skin is red and swollen around the fingernail, you may have an infection known as paronychia. It may also feel feverish and tender. It is often caused by ingrown nails, a sharp object poking the cuticle, or exposure to chemical solvents.

Use Gentle Soap to Clean

Use a gentle soap to clean the area. It can easily become more infected and needs to be kept as clean as possible. The soap should not contain any fragrances or harsh chemicals. Your local drug store should carry soaps for first aid use.

DID YOU KNOW?

Paronychia is common among children. The infection is often caused by biting, chewing, and sucking on the finger and nail. Bacteria enters the nail bed, and the infection begins.

Soak in Warm Water with Vinegar

Fill a bowl with lukewarm water and apple cider vinegar. Let your hand soak for five minutes. The apple cider vinegar is naturally antibacterial. If the water is too hot, it will cause the finger to be swollen around the nail and the pain will increase.

Rub Finger with Raw Garlic

Chop a clove of raw garlic in two. Use one side and rub along the infected finger. The smell might not be great, but the garlic has antibacterial and antifungal properties that will help fight the infection. Rub gently so as not to irritate the skin.

Soak 15 Minutes 3-4 Times a Day

Every day, soak the finger for 15 minutes in lukewarm water. This should be done up to four times a day. This is done more for pain management than cleansing. It will keep the swelling of the finger down, as well.

Make a Poultice of Honey and Cinnamon

In a bowl, combine equal parts honey and cinnamon. The mixture forms a paste that you can apply to a dry bandage or gauze. The gauze can be wrapped around the finger or even an infected toe. This will extract the pus from the wound if it has become infected. It will also reduce inflammation from the finger swollen around the nail and protect the skin.

If Infection Progresses, Seek Medical Attention

If the infection worsens, causing the wound to pus and blister, you will need to visit a doctor. The infected finger may need to be lanced and antibiotics prescribed. This infection can be chronic, so do not expose the finger to the factor that caused it in the first place.