An overview of fingernail infections including possible causes, treatment and when to see a health-care provider.
Key points
Nail infections can occur on the hands and the feet.
Nail biting and finger sucking can cause breaks in the skin, allowing bacteria to enter.
Symptoms include swelling, redness and tenderness of the area where the nail meets the tissue of the finger.
Clean the infected nail three times a day with warm water and an antibacterial soap.
If the infection has not gone away after four or five days, seek medical attention.
Introduction
What is a fingernail infection?
Fingernail infections occur on or near the edge of the nail. Most of the time, fingernail infections are not serious, but they can be painful. This type of infection can also form on the toenails.
Signs and symptoms
Signs and symptoms of a fingernail infection
Signs and symptoms may include:
Swelling where the finger meets the nail
Redness and mild tenderness surrounding the infected area
A blister filled with pus or pus draining from the swollen area
Causes, risk factors and prevalence
Causes of a fingernail infection
Fingernail infections are caused by bacteria entering the skin around the nail. Nail biting, ingrown nails and finger sucking can cause skin breakdown, allowing bacteria to enter. Pushing the cuticle down or trimming the cuticle (which is usually done as part of a manicure) can also lead to infection.
Treatment
Treatment of a fingernail infection
Antiseptic soaks
Soak the affected area in warm water with an antibacterial soap. Do this three times a day for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. If the infection has not cleared after four or five days, make an appointment to see your child's health-care provider.
Draining
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 child's health-care provider, who may take a small needle to open up the affected area and drain the pus.
Antibiotics
You can try applying an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment to the infected area two to three times per day. The best time to apply this ointment is after the area has been soaked in warm water for 10 to 20 minutes. Apply the ointment until the infection disappears. If the infection appears to be spreading beyond the nail, your child's health-care provider may prescribe an oral antibiotic.
Prevention
Encourage your child to stop biting, picking or chewing their fingernails. Use nail clippers instead. Avoid pushing cuticles down and do not trim the cuticle.
When to seek medical attention
When to see a health-care provider
Make an appointment with your child's health-care provider if:
