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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 5 g (1 tsp) of salt dissolved in 1 L (4 cup) warm water. After soaking, apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, 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.

Credits

Current as of:
March 3, 2021

Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
William H. Blahd Jr. MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine
Martin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine
H. Michael O'Connor MD - Emergency Medicine