Why is my hangnail making my finger swollen?

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. Hangnails commonly occur on the fingernails and are sometimes also found on the toenails.

When should I be worried about an infected hangnail?

Don’t rip off the hangnail, as it can worsen the condition. If your symptoms worsen or don’t clear within a week, consult your doctor. You should also consult your doctor if you’re experiencing severe pain, major swelling of the finger, excessive pus, or other signs of infection.

How do you reduce swelling in a finger infection?

Apply a warm compress or warm cloth on the infected finger. Elevate the infected finger above the level of the heart to reduce pain and swelling.

How do you treat a swollen hangnail on your finger?

The steps are simple.

Apply warm compresses or soak the finger in warm, soapy water for 10 to 20 minutes, at least twice a day.
Apply antibiotic or antifungal cream.
Keep the infected area covered with a sterile bandage.

What antibiotic is used for infected hangnail?

Commonly Used Medications for Acute and Chronic Paronychia

Drug	Typical dosage	Comments
Antibiotics (topical)
Bacitracin/neomycin/polymyxin B ointment (Neosporin)	Three times daily for five to 10 days	Overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms with prolonged use
Gentamicin ointment	Three or four times daily for five to 10 days	—

What to do if your finger is swollen and hurts?

Apply ice and elevate the finger. Use over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Motrin) or naprosyn (Aleve) to reduce both pain and swelling. If needed, buddy tape the injured finger to the one next to it. This will help protect the injured finger as it heals.

How do you know if your finger is infected?

Symptoms of finger infections include:

Redness.
Swelling.
Warmth.
Pus drainage.
Fever (in some cases)

How to treat an infected hangnail?

Take an oral antibiotic for bacterial infections. Some hangnail infections can be caused by bacterial infections.

Apply an antifungal cream for fungal infections. Many hangnail infections are caused by fungal infections.

Use a topical steroid cream for a chronic hangnail infection.

Call your doctor if you get a hangnail infection and you have diabetes.

How to treat infected fingernail?

If it has a brownish ring of grime stuck to the surface, that is unhealthy. Even between clients the basins and foot spa basin should be washed with disinfectant and dried with a clean dry towel. In this era of COVID-19, ensure that your manicurist is wearing a mask as part of the SOPs.

What antibiotic is used for an infected fingernail?

Pus pockets need to be opened and drained.

Drainage is safer if done by a doctor.

If the pus pocket is small and your doctor wants you to open it,here’s how:

Use a needle.

Make a large hole through the center of the pimple.

Help the pus come out with gentle pressure.

Throw away the needle and all the pus.

How do you treat a finger nail infection?

Clean the infected area at least 3 times a day.

Apply an antibiotic ointment to the wound after you finish cleaning it. This will help to treat the infected finger while also protecting it and promoting healing.

Bandage open cuts or wounds to prevent the introduction of bacteria.

Immobilize your finger with a splint if a joint is affected.