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.
