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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
If you stop taking a course of antibiotics early, the infection may return.
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.
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.
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.
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] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Family Physicians Organization devoted to improving the health of patients, families, and communities Go to source
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.
