Home treatment for a suspected nail infection

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 (946.4 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.

Author: Jan Nissl, RN, BS Last Updated: November 13, 2008
Medical Review: William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine
H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine

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