Re: +-Nail Problems-+

In Reply to: +-Nail Problems-+ posted by Tiffania on October 13, 2000 at 14:43:43:

: My ring finger nail was ingrown causing pus to build up and swell up to the left of the nail. I cut the nail away from the sore, and cut open the pus bag with a razor blade, I got most of it out, I covered it with Icthammol Ointment ( Black Save/tar stuff ) . My first question is Should I leave it un-covered? and my second is Is there anything else I can do?

Clean the cut with medicinal peroxide and apply an antibacterial ointment several times a day. You don't need to apply a large amount, just enough to cover the injury. I never recommend covering with a bandaid as the bandage can become contaminated or wet. Most infections of this sort are easily treated in this manner, although I would not have advised cutting the skin to release the pus formation. Soaking in medicinal peroxide would have been the better choice as the additional cut will take longer to heal.