Infected Finger

My favorite remedy is to soak the finger in very warm water (as hot as you can stand) and Epsom salts. This will help draw the infection out. Soak it for 20-30 minutes about 3 times a day.

Also, my mother-in-law treated one of my infected fingers with potato peels. She used a potato peeler to get a few peels off of the potato, wrapped my finger in the potatoes, covered it with plastic wrap, and taped it to my finger. I slept with it on and the infection was much better the next day.

I had an infected toe once from getting nicked at the nail salon. It got red and swollen quickly. I soaked it in hot water (as hot as you can stand it) with epsom salt for about 10 to 15 minutes. Then I was able to squeeze out the yucky stuff. It was completely healed in appx 2 to 3 days.

One thing to keep in mind is to not let the infection go too long because it could get in your blood stream. If the epsom salt bath doesn't go it any good then you should probably go to the doctor.

Good luck!

You've been given all great advice. Try to clip the hang nail off, instead of tearing it off. It saves a lot of pain. You can only do so much, and then you will just have to wait a few days and then it will start to heal. My skin always peels off afterward too.

my mom recently had the same thing, and the infected part started to turn black! she went to the doctor and they immediately put her on antibiotics and told her she should have come in sooner. because it's on your hand, you can far more easily come into contact with other germs, etc. so it's best to have it looked at.

good luck!

Hi K. - A doctor visit is in order. You probably will need an antibiotic.

K.,
In an infection of this kind, there is no "home remedy" for it. You are at risk of it getting into your bloodstream, and that is life-threatening. You need IV antibiotics to clear it up. Sorry, I just want to make sure you're okay. Take care!

Hot water. The warmest that you can stand will pull the infection to the surface. You have to let it soak for a bit. Maybe even do it several times. It will also help to open up the wound and then the peroxide will be able to penetrate farther. I have used this on people and animals with great results. You can also add some epsom salt to the mix. It will be painful but will get it started draining.

Epsom salt soaks are the BEST! Good luck!

When I have an infected nail (finger or toe) I make sure I clip the nail way back which will usually open up the infected area and allow me to clean it with hydrogen peroxide. If it doesn't I usually end up going "digging" for it with a sterilized needle. The whole process is painful, but it gets it healing and I avoid a trip to the doctor.

Soak your finger for ten minutes three times a day in a cup of very warm water with 1/4 cup of epsom salt. That will do the trick. In the future, after every shower you should dry your cuticles completely and push them back with the towel. GL K. K.

Maybe neosporin or tea tree oil. They have worked for me in the past. You probably need to dig with a needle. Hope it gets better soon!

Try soaking the finger in epson salts and warm water for 20 min twice a day. It helps draw out the infection and it has a soothing effect.

K.,
I think a good long soak in the tub with some epson salt should make it feel better. It is also very well deserved. That is what I do when my kids have ingrown toe nails.