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Treating a Nail Infection

Topic Overview

Try home treatment if you think you have an infection in the skin around your nail.

  • Soak your foot or hand 2 to 3 times each day in a solution of 1 tsp (5 g) of salt dissolved in 4 cup (960 mL) warm water. After soaking, apply an antibiotic ointment, such as Bacitracin, and a bandage.
  • Do not try to remove any part of the affected nail.
  • Remove an artificial nail if you think you have an infection around or under a nail.

Related Information

Credits

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Last Revised October 12, 2010

Last Revised: October 12, 2010

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine & H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine

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