Why does my nail hurt?
When the skin around one of your nails gets a tear, crack or cut, harmful bacteria (usually staph) can get in and cause a nail infection, also called paronychia. Common symptoms include redness and swelling around a nail, and throbbing pain. Keep reading to learn more about this common nail condition and how to treat it.
Online treatment for bacterial nail infections
When the area around your fingernail or toenail is inflamed and painful, you want it to feel better as soon as possible. Fortunately, you can quickly treat a nail infection online at Virtuwell. Simply answer a few questions about your symptoms and upload a couple photos. Then, one of our clinicians reviews your information and provides a custom treatment plan that may include at-home care tips, and prescription or other medications to clear up the infection and soothe discomfort.
Soothe bacterial nail infection symptoms at home
When you have a nail infection, the entire area around your fingernail or toenail can become inflamed and tender, and pus may appear. There are several ways you can relieve symptoms.
At-home care for nail infections
- For pain, Take ibuprofen or acetaminophen to ease pain and discomfort.
- For swelling, soak the infected nail in warm water for 15 minutes, 4 times per day, adding Epsom salts or Burow’s solution to aid in healing.
INSIDER TIP
Nail inflection after a trip to the salon?
If you got a nail infection at the salon, it may be because the technician cut into your cuticles or used equipment that wasn’t properly sterilized. To help prevent future nail infections, request that your technician leave your cuticles alone and ask how the salon disinfects their equipment. If you have any concerns, consider bringing your own sterilized manicure equipment.
Nail infection do's and don’ts
If you’re prone to nail infections, it’s important to understand why they occur and how to prevent them. Keep the following nail infection do’s and don’ts in mind.
Nail infection do's
- Do wash hands – Prioritize good hygiene by washing hands well and often and thoroughly drying them.
- Do wear waterproof gloves – Prolonged exposure to water and cleaning products can dry out the skin around your nails, making them more prone to cracks and creating an environment for bacteria.
- Do moisturize hands – Dry weather and frequent hand washing can be a recipe for cracked skin and nail infections. Keep the skin around your nails soft and supple by using a protective emollient or barrier cream.
Nail infection don'ts
- Don't bite your nails – Bacteria can be transferred from your mouth into tiny cuts and tears.
- Don't pick at or cut your cuticles – The skin around your nail bed is there for a reason. Let it be so it can do its job.
- Don't wear artificial nails – Fake nails press into and can damage the nail bed, making this area more prone to injury and infection.
Skip the trip into the clinic. Get convenient and fast online treatment for nail infections and 40+ other skin and nail conditions at Virtuwell.
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