How to cure an infected nail

2024-10-12 18:00:00

Soaking, disinfection, cutting, hydration… We collect all the treatments you can do if you have cuticles on your nails.

Last update: October 12, 2024

If you notice a torn piece of skin near the cuticle or on the side of the nail, which also causes pain, swelling, or pus-filled blisters, you may have an infected nail. Although suffering from it is annoying and affects the aesthetics of the hands, it is usually not serious if treated properly.

From correct disinfection and cutting to the use of antimicrobials and moisturizing products, we tell you, in detail, six steps to follow to treat them. In addition to this, we give you some advice on what you should avoid to avoid making them worse and what you can do to prevent them.

1. Soak in warm water

Put your hands inside hot water for 10 or 15 minutes It is one of the first measures if you want to cure an infected nail. This simple treatment softens the affected skin, promotes better circulation in the area and decreases pain and inflammation.

A good idea is to add a little mild soap, salt or antiseptic to the soaking water. This removes dirt and bacteria that often tend to make the infection worse. However, keep in mind that this will not be enough to relieve it completely. After the recommended time, dry carefully and continue with the other phases of the treatment.

2. Carefully cut off excess skin

With soft skin after soaking, The next thing will be to cut the nail with the help of a sterilized cuticle clipper or nail clipper. This helps prevent it from getting snagged on clothing or objects that could tear it even more.

To do this safely, soak your tool of choice in a container of isopropyl alcohol or hydrogen peroxide for 30 minutes. So, be sure to make the cut as close to the nail bed as possible, i.e. the part where the nail meets the skin.

During cutting, do it very carefully and avoid pressing the instrument against the injured area to avoid causing further irritation or bleeding. If you feel burning or swelling when finished, Apply a warm water compress to minimize discomfort.

Keep in mind that if there is pus present it is better not to proceed with the cut, as in these circumstances it could make the situation worse. Instead, apply some antiseptic and wait for the situation to improve. If the infection persists, see your doctor or dermatologist for other treatment options.

3. Use an antibiotic cream

At the pharmacy you can buy several over-the-counter antibiotic creams that are useful for treating an infected nail. For example, neosporin, which combines antibiotics such as bacitracin, neomycin and polymyxin B, It inhibits the growth of bacteria and facilitates the relief of infections.

Topical bacitracin is effective against a wide range of bacteria and is recommended to prevent these types of minor lesions from becoming infected and reduce inflammation. After applying these creams, you can cover your finger with a bandage to prevent it from coming into contact with dirt and bacteria while it heals.

4. Apply vitamin E oil

Vitamin E oil It is one of the home remedies that you can use when you have an infected nail. Although it does not cure the infection as such, its application reduces inflammation, promotes skin repair and helps prevent the formation of new hangnails.

Keep in mind that it does not replace the use of antibiotic cream, but rather complements it. Apply a couple of drops to the affected area, two or three times a day, until relief is obtained.

5. Use moisturizing products

Dry skin and cuticles are one of the main reasons hangnails appear. Hence the importance of prioritizing the use of hydrating products as part of daily care. Whether you use Vaseline, cuticle cream or moisturizing lotions, Be sure to provide daily hydration to this part of your hands.

Adequate hydration strengthens the skin barrier and reduces the risk of lesions that can lead to hangnails and infections.

6. Seek professional help if necessary

Almost always, the self-care measures mentioned above are enough to cure an infected nail. If this does not happen and if complications such as pus, blisters or severe swelling occur, it is best to consult a dermatologist or doctor.

After evaluating the symptoms, The professional will determine whether it is necessary to administer antibiotic drugs, or, if it has to be drained with the help of some sterile instrument.

What should you avoid if you have an infected toenail?

There are some actions you should avoid when you have an infected nail; this is to avoid aggravating the infection or generating further discomfort. In this sense, consider the following:

• Avoid biting or pulling the nail: As tempting as it may seem, handling these lesions in this way worsens irritation and increases contact with infectious microorganisms.
• Do not cut inflamed or pus-filled areas: remove excess skin only in mild cases. Symptoms such as pus or swelling require medical intervention.
• Avoid applying home remedies: crushed garlic, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, onion, just to name a few. These ingredients may not be the best solution because they are irritating or create a moist environment that encourages bacteria to grow.
• Do not apply irritating products: such as hydrogen peroxide or those that contain alcohol. These can damage skin cells and delay healing.
• Avoid excessive humidity: Make sure to keep your skin dry, but hydrated. Too much humidity can aggravate the infection.

How to prevent the appearance of hangnails?

Preventing an infected nail starts with understanding its causes, which range from dehydration of the skin, to contact with harsh chemicals, to actions such as biting the nails or cuticles, to lesions around the nails. To avoid its formation, put the following advice into practice:

• Moisturize your hands and cuticles every day: whether with cream, gel, lotion, petroleum jelly or oils. This prevents the skin from drying out and cracking. On the contrary, it keeps it soft and flexible.
• Use gloves to protect your hands: whether you’re handling cleaning products or other irritating chemicals, gardening, or exposing yourself to the cold.
• Don’t bite your nails: This habit damages the skin around the nails and creates tears susceptible to infection.
• Avoid excessive cutting of cuticles: By damaging the delicate skin around your nails, they are more exposed to irritation and infection. Therefore, you need to act carefully. Simply push them back with an orange stick or pusher and carefully remove excess skin with cuticle nippers.

If you have an infected toenail, act quickly

As soon as you notice that little tear in the skin around your nails, follow the steps we’ve given you to speed up its relief. Acting promptly helps prevent the infection from spreading to nearby areas. or develop complications such as abscess formation.

Overall, this problem is not serious and should not be a cause for undue concern. But if you can’t improve it with self-care, seek medical or dermatological care to evaluate the causes and, based on these, look for other treatment options.