How to Cure an Infected Finger

An infected finger can be extremely painful and make it difficult for you to complete your normal daily activities. The good news is that you can successfully clear up most finger infections at home without needing extensive medical treatment. However, if the infection seems to be getting worse or if you develop a fever, see a doctor immediately. Keeping your hands and fingernails clean and dry can help prevent further infections.[1]

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Treating the Infection at Home

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    Clean the infected area at least 3 times a day. Wash your hands gently, then soak the infected area in warm water with an antibacterial soap or plain warm water. You can also use a solution of 1 US qt (0.95 L) of water mixed with 2 teaspoons (10 g) of table salt to remove any pus and loose scabs from the wound. Let the infection soak for at least 10 to 20 minutes each time.[2]
    • After you've finished soaking the area, carefully and gently pat it dry.
    • If you have a cut or open wound that needs to be covered with a bandage, allow the infected area to dry thoroughly before you put the bandage on.

    Tip: Make sure the area is thoroughly dry at all times. Putting a bandage on damp skin can trap moisture that may worsen your infection.

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    2
    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. Apply a thin layer over the infected area of your finger.[3]
    • If the ointment causes your skin to break out in a rash, wash it off immediately and stop using it. This is uncommon, but it’s important to check.
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    Bandage open cuts or wounds to prevent the introduction of bacteria. You typically don't want to bandage an infection so it's exposed to plenty of oxygen and stays dry. However, if you still have a cut or an open wound, cover it with a clean, dry bandage. This will keep it clean so the infection doesn't worsen or spread.[4]
    • Make sure the area is completely dry before you apply the bandage. If you're using an adhesive bandage, the bandage part should entirely cover the wound so that you're not getting any of the adhesive on broken skin.

    Tip: Wear rubber gloves while applying a bandage to ensure both sides of the bandage remain sterile.

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    4
    Immobilize your finger with a splint if a joint is affected. If you have any swelling or redness around any of the joints of your fingers, put on a padded splint to keep your joint from moving. This will help the infection heal more quickly and keep it from spreading.[5]
    • You can buy finger splints at pharmacies and discount stores without a prescription. Make sure you get the right size for your finger. Don't put it on so tight that it cuts off the circulation in your finger.
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    Try over-the-counter (OTC) antibiotic ointments. You can get OTC antibiotic ointments at any pharmacy or discount store without a prescription. After washing your hands, apply the ointment gently so that it covers the infected area and the immediately surrounding skin.[6]
    • If you're applying the ointment to someone else, make sure your hands are clean or wear gloves when you apply the ointment.
    • If you need to bandage the area, allow the ointment to dry before you apply the bandage.
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    6
    Drain the pus gently if necessary. Often an infection will build up a small bubble or blister of pus. This pus typically will start to drain on its own as the infection starts to clear. If you see the area oozing pus, gently press around the area to assist in draining the pus.[7]
    • Wear rubber gloves any time you're touching infected skin and be gentle. Be careful not to break the skin, which could spread the infection.
    • Wash the infected area gently after draining the pus, then pat dry and cover the open wound.
    • Do not puncture the skin any further to release the pus. See your doctor if you feel the infected area needs to be drained.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Seeking Medical Treatment

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    Call your doctor immediately if you develop a fever. A fever may be a sign that the infection has spread to your bloodstream, where it can cause serious problems. If you have even the slightest fever or start to feel sick or queasy, call your doctor right away.
    • Typically the infection can be treated with oral antibiotics. However, these need to be started as soon as possible to be effective.
    • If you have a fever and delay seeking medical treatment, the infection may require more serious intervention that necessitates a hospital stay.
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    2
    Monitor the infected area to see if it spreads or worsens. As you treat the infection, make sure the infected area doesn't get any larger. If the swelling increases or the skin grows redder or changes color, have a doctor look at it as soon as possible.[8]
    • If the infection is near your nail, monitor the nail for changes in color or thickness. If the nail grows discolored or thickens, this may indicate that the nail is also infected. A doctor will be able to further assess the condition and determine whether the nail needs to be removed.

    Tip: Nail infections are difficult to treat because OTC ointments can't penetrate the surface of the nail. Even after the infection in the surrounding skin is cleared, infection may remain in the nail.

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    3
    Wait 4 to 5 days to see if the infection goes away. If you keep the area clean and use OTC antibiotic ointment, the infection should go away within a few days. However, if it doesn't seem to be getting any better after 4 or 5 days, seek medical treatment even if you haven't noticed any other symptoms.[9]
    • If the infection seems to be getting worse, or if you're experiencing symptoms you didn't experience before, have a doctor look at it.

    Tip: An infection that refuses to go away could be an indication of a more serious underlying condition. you'll only know this if you have a doctor assess your condition.

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    4
    Take antibiotics as directed. If your doctor prescribes a course of antibiotics, take the complete course until they are gone. Don't stop taking the antibiotics, even if you feel better or the condition of your finger improves.[10]
    • If you stop taking a course of antibiotics early, the infection may return.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Preventing Finger Infections

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    Get a tetanus shot if necessary. If you have a puncture wound from a nail or other piece of metal, particularly rusty metal, or glass, get a tetanus shot as soon as possible to prevent an infection from developing.[11]
    • Any wound contaminated with soil, dirt, or saliva may also be at higher risk for carrying the bacteria that causes tetanus.
    • If a tetanus infection isn't treated promptly, it could be fatal.
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    Trim your fingernails with clippers after showering. After a shower, your nails are at their softest. This is the best time to trim them. Use sterile clippers and avoid cutting them too short. Never trim your cuticles, which can leave your nail beds open to bacteria, leading to an infection.[12]
    • Never bite your nails or cuticles, or pick at your cuticles with your fingers. This introduces bacteria to the area, which can result in infection.

    Tip: Getting manicures can put you at a higher risk of getting finger infections. If you get manicures, make sure the tools are sterilized or bring your own.

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    Wear rubber gloves when washing dishes, gardening, or doing chores. Exposing your hands to continual moisture can weaken and damage your skin, allowing for the introduction of bacteria. Moist conditions allow that bacteria to grow and increase the risk of infection. Wrap rubber gloves that are lined with cotton to help keep your hands dry and clean.[13]
    • You should also wear rubber gloves any time there's a risk your hands might come into contact with chemicals, such as if you're cleaning the kitchen or bathroom.
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    Keep your hands clean and dry. Wash your hands after using the lavatory and any time they're exposed to directly to soil or to dirty or soiled items. Pat your hands gently until the skin is completely dry.[14]
    • If you find that you sweat a lot, especially in warmer months, keep a soft cloth or towel to dry your hands with.
    • Apply lotion to your hands after you wash them as well. This will help to keep them moisturized and provide an extra barrier against irritants.[15]
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    Wash, disinfect, and bandage cuts promptly. If a cut isn't cleaned and bandaged within 8 hours, it may get infected. Wash the area gently with warm water and anti-bacterial soap, then pat it dry. Apply a sterile bandage that completely covers the wounded area.[16]
    • For deeper cuts, it may be necessary to irrigate. Run warm water gently into and over the wound to clean it out. If you notice any debris in the wound, you may want to get a tetanus shot just to be on the safe side.
    • Change the dressing on cuts at least once every 24 hours, or whenever you wash the area.
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Warnings

  • If you are diabetic or have a weak immune system, you may be more susceptible to infection.[17]
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References

  1. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/paronychia.html
  2. ↑ https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/Article?contentid=767&language=English
  3. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-cuts/basics/art-20056711
  4. ↑ https://www.fairview.org/patient-education/85329
  5. ↑ https://www.aafp.org/afp/2003/1201/p2167.html
  6. ↑ https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/Article?contentid=767&language=English
  7. ↑ https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/Article?contentid=767&language=English
  8. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/paronychia.html
  9. ↑ https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/Article?contentid=767&language=English
  1. ↑ https://www.aafp.org/afp/2003/1201/p2167.html
  2. ↑ https://www.fairview.org/patient-education/85329
  3. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/paronychia.html
  4. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/paronychia.html
  5. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/paronychia.html
  6. ↑ https://www.aafp.org/afp/2008/0201/p339.html
  7. ↑ https://www.fairview.org/patient-education/85329
  8. ↑ https://www.fairview.org/patient-education/85329

About This Article

Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS
Medically reviewed by:
Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS
Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner
This article was medically reviewed by Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS and by wikiHow staff writer, Jennifer Mueller, JD. Luba Lee, FNP-BC is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and educator in Tennessee with over a decade of clinical experience. Luba has certifications in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Emergency Medicine, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Team Building, and Critical Care Nursing. She received her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from the University of Tennessee in 2006. This article has been viewed 117,561 times.
45 votes - 90%
Co-authors: 6
Updated: July 20, 2022
Views: 117,561
Categories: Finger Health

Medical Disclaimer

The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.

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