How to Heal an Infected Fingernail

Fingernails are susceptible to fungal infections. These can occur with exposure to contaminated pedicure utensils, a weak immune system, a wet environment, with finger injury or other nail disease. Symptoms of a fingernail infection include discoloration -- usually a white or yellow spot under the tip of the nail, lifting of the nail, cracking and nail deformity. If left untreated, these infections can spread to surrounding tissues. A physician should be consulted if you suspect an infection -- antibiotic medications are usually required. Nail care during the healing process includes several steps.

Things You'll Need

• Small bowl
• Warm water
• Vinegar
• Towel
• Nail clippers
• Sterile, waterproof adhesive bandage

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Instructions

• 1

  Soak the affected finger in warm water for 15 minutes, several times per day. You can also try soaking in a mixture of one-part vinegar to two-parts warm water. If the vinegar mixture causes skin irritation, reduce the soaking frequency to once per day.

• 2

  Use clean fingernail clippers to trim areas of the nail that have softened and are dead after each soak. Pat the nail dry or let it air dry completely.

• 3

  Cover the nail with a sterile, waterproof adhesive bandage between soaks to prevent further exposure to debris and bacteria.