Why is my thumb swollen after hangnail?
Share on Pinterest Redness, swelling, and pain are potential symptoms of an infected hangnail. Infection occurs when bacteria or fungus get under the skin. An infection between the nail and the skin is called paronychia.
What do you do for an infected thumb?
You can take care of an infected finger by following these instructions from the doctor:
- Wash the finger with clean water two times a day.
- Next, cover the area with a thin layer of antiseptic ointment and a bandage.
- Take the antibiotics as prescribed.
- Take over the counter painkillers if required.
How do you reduce swelling from an infected cuticle?
If you have acute paronychia, soaking the infected nail in warm water 3 to 4 times a day can help reduce pain and swelling. It should heal up in a few days. If the infection is very painful, doesn’t get better with home care, or has a pus-filled abscess, you may need to see your doctor.
How do you drain an infected thumb?
In most cases, pus will drain on its own after soaking the infection. You may need to apply a bit of pressure by gently rubbing or squeezing the area with a damp cloth or cotton swab. If this does not work, then see your doctor. You doctor may take a small needle to open up the affected area and drain the pus.
How do you treat an infected hangnail at home?
Follow these steps for home treatment:
- Soak the infected area in warm water once or twice a day for 20 minutes.
- After your initial soak, cut the hangnail off.
- Rub vitamin E oil or cream on the affected area to prevent another hangnail.
- Use a topical antibiotic cream on the infected hangnail for a few days.
How long does it take an infected hangnail to heal?
You may need a prescription for an antibiotic in topical or oral form. If pus is present, your doctor may need to drain the infected area. This removes the bacteria and may help relieve pressure in the area. Once treated by stronger medications, the hangnail should clear up within 5 to 7 days.
How do you draw the infection out of an infected hangnail?
How to treat an infected hangnail
- Soak the infected area in warm water once or twice a day for 20 minutes.
- After your initial soak, cut the hangnail off.
- Rub vitamin E oil or cream on the affected area to prevent another hangnail.
- Use a topical antibiotic cream on the infected hangnail for a few days.
Does hydrogen peroxide help paronychia?
Wash the area with clean water 2 times a day. Don’t use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, which can slow healing. You may cover the area with a thin layer of petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, and a non-stick bandage. Apply more petroleum jelly and replace the bandage as needed.
How to treat swollen finger caused by hangnail infection?
For swollen finger that is caused by hangnail infection, the first thing that you have to treat is your hangnail before it gets infected further. Treating the hangnail will include softening it by soaking your hangnail in a bowl of warm water. Cutting your dry hang nail can lead to a bigger torn on our skin tissue.
What are the symptoms of a hangnail infection?
Symptoms of infection can include: red, puffy skin surrounding the injury. pus surrounding the nail bed or hangnail area. skin feeling hot to the touch. fever or chills. increased pain or throbbing in finger.
What causes your hangnail to turn red and swollen?
This type of bacteria will cause your hangnail to turn red, swollen or even filled with pus. If your hangnail is infected with bacteria, most of the symptoms will occur immediately. Fungus can also cause your hangnail to be infected. Fungal paronychia is a situation where your hangnail is infected with fungus.
How to get rid of hangnails on fingernails?
Hangnails commonly occur on the fingernails and are sometimes also found on the toenails. Bacterial infections can produce symptoms almost immediately, while fungal infections may take longer to appear. Warm water soak. Soak the nail in warm water for 15 minutes up to 4 times a day. This increases blood flow and cleanses the area.