Fingernail Infection: Brief Version

What is a fingernail infection?

When your child has a fingernail infection, you usually see:

• a large pimple where the cuticle and the fingernail meet
• redness and tenderness around this area
• sometimes, pus may drain from this area, too.

The infection can be caused by bacteria or yeast.

How can I take care of my child?

It helps to soak your child's sore finger in warm water and liquid antibacterial soap.

• Soak your child's sore finger 3 times a day for 15 minutes.
• Do this for at least 4 days, or longer if it has not healed.

If your child has a bacterial infection:

• Buy antibiotic ointment at the drugstore. Put ointment on the sore area 4 times a day.
• Cover it with a bandage.

Open any large pimple. Here's how:

• Carefully clean a needle with rubbing alcohol or a flame.
• Gently poke the needle into the large pimple.
• Let the pus drain out.
• You may need to gently squeeze so that the pus comes out.

If your child has a yeast infection:

• Put Lotrimin cream or ointment on the sore 3 times a day.
• Keep the area dry.
• Do not cover it with a bandage.

You can help keep your child from getting an infection again:

• If you notice hangnails, cut them off with nail clippers.
• Tell your child not to pick or chew at hangnails.

Call your child's doctor right away if:

• Your child gets a fever.
• A red streak spreads beyond the cuticle.

Call your child's doctor during office hours if:

• The infection has not gotten better after 48 hours.
• The infection is not totally cleared up in 7 days.
• You have other concerns or questions.