As finger infections tend to become more severe, there is limited scope for home remedies.
As finger infections tend to become more severe, there is limited scope for home remedies. A slight infection of the finger can be managed at home if the person does not have any underlying medical condition like diabetes. For other infections, seek immediate medical care to avoid disability or loss of the finger.
A simple infection of the finger can be treated by soaking it in:
- A mixture of pre-boiled warm water with antibacterial soap for 15 minutes, two to four times a day
- Water with Epsom salt to soothe the area and provide pain relief
- Apple cider vinegar because it has antibacterial and antifungal properties
- An antiseptic solution of warm water
However, if you do not find any improvement, then consult a physician without delay.
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. Do not use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol.
- Next, cover the area with a thin layer of antiseptic ointment and a bandage.
- Take the antibiotics as prescribed. Complete the course of antibiotics even if you feel better.
- Take over the counter painkillers if required. However, do not take two or more pain medicines at the same time unless prescribed by the physician.
- 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.
What are the causes of finger infection?
The most common cause of finger infections is bacteria. Other causes of finger infection include:
- Trauma to the finger or hand (finger cut, finger crush injury, hand laceration, infected hangnail, or infected cuticle)
- Paronychia (staphylococcal or streptococcal organisms causes this infection. Fungus may also cause this type of infection)
- Felon (bacterial infection of the finger pad caused by the same organism that causes paronychia)
- Herpetic whitlow (herpes simplex virus type I or II causes this type of finger infection)
- Cellulitis (a serious bacterial infection attacking an open wound)
- Infectious flexor tenosynovitis (a bacterial infection that affects deep structures caused due to a penetrating trauma)
- Deep space infection (a bacterial infection caused due to a puncture wound or deep cut)
Some of the risk factors for finger infection include:
- Nail-biting
- Picking cuticles
- Frequent sucking on a finger
- Clipping a nail too short or trimming the cuticle
- Aggressive manicuring or cuticle trimming
- Penetrating trauma
- Picking hangnails
- Deep cuts
- Any open wound
- Diabetes
- Compromised immune system
- Certain occupations, such as dentists, hygienists, physicians, and nurses
- Extended exposure of the hands to water (such as dishwashers)
How to prevent finger infection?
Finger infection can be prevented by following these measures, which include:
- Not biting the nails or picking the cuticles around them
- Not cutting the nails too short. Trim the nails with a cutter and smooth the sharp edges. The best time to trim the nails is after a shower when the nails are softer.
- Avoid pushing the cuticles back, rather trim them or use a cuticle remover. Damaging the cuticles may pave the way for bacteria to enter your skin.
- Wear rubber gloves while washing a lot of dishes
- Control your blood sugar level if you are diabetic
- Maintain good hygiene by keeping your hands and feet clean and dry
- Be gentle while manicuring your nails
- Do not puncture or cut into an abscess yourself
- Consult the doctor if you observe any complications