How do you recognize a paronychia infection. What are the steps to properly drain a finger paronychia. When should you seek medical treatment for a finger infection. What are the risks of untreated paronychia.

Understanding Paronychia: A Common Finger Infection

Paronychia is a prevalent infection that affects the nail root of fingers or toes. This condition occurs when bacteria find their way under the cuticle, often due to seemingly harmless habits like chewing on hangnails or accidentally injuring the nail area. While Staphylococcus is the most frequently encountered bacteria in these infections, other microorganisms, including anaerobes from the mouth, can also be culprits.

The development of paronychia typically follows a pattern:

1. Introduction of bacteria under the cuticle
2. Gradual onset of symptoms over several days
3. Increasing swelling and pain at the nail base
4. Potential progression to more severe infections if left untreated

Who is at risk for developing paronychia?

While anyone can develop paronychia, certain groups are at higher risk:

• People who frequently bite their nails or cuticles
• Individuals with occupations that involve frequent hand-washing or exposure to irritants (e.g., barbers, healthcare workers)
• Those with underlying health conditions that affect immune function
• People who have a history of nail trauma or damage

Identifying the Signs and Symptoms of Paronychia

Recognizing the early signs of paronychia is crucial for timely treatment. The most common symptoms include:

• Swelling at the base of the nail
• Redness and warmth around the affected area
• Tenderness and pain, especially when pressure is applied
• A sensation of pressure or throbbing as pus accumulates

In more advanced cases, you may notice:

• Visible pus or abscess formation
• Changes in nail appearance or texture
• Difficulty moving the affected finger or toe

Can paronychia resolve on its own?

While mild cases of paronychia may sometimes resolve without intervention, it’s generally not advisable to leave the infection untreated. Early-stage paronychia can often be managed with conservative treatments, but more established infections typically require medical intervention to prevent complications.

Treatment Options for Paronychia: From Conservative to Surgical

The appropriate treatment for paronychia depends on the severity and duration of the infection. Treatment options range from simple home remedies to surgical intervention:

Conservative Management

For early-stage paronychia with minimal swelling and redness, the following approaches may be effective:

• Warm soaks: Immersing the affected digit in warm water for 15-20 minutes, several times a day
• Topical antibiotics: Application of over-the-counter antibiotic ointments
• Avoiding further trauma: Refraining from nail-biting or picking at the cuticle

Medical Treatment

If conservative measures fail or the infection is more established, medical treatment may include:

• Oral antibiotics: Typically a short course of antibiotics such as cephalexin
• Prescription-strength topical antibiotics
• Pain management with over-the-counter analgesics

Surgical Intervention

For cases with significant pus accumulation or those that don’t respond to other treatments, surgical drainage may be necessary. This procedure is typically performed by a healthcare professional and involves:

1. Numbing the affected area
2. Making a small incision to allow pus drainage
3. Cleaning the wound
4. Providing aftercare instructions

The Step-by-Step Process of Draining a Finger Paronychia

When surgical intervention is necessary, healthcare professionals follow a specific protocol to ensure safe and effective drainage of a paronychia. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the procedure:

1. Preparation: Gather necessary tools including sterilizing solution, ice water, and a #11 scalpel.
2. Anesthesia: Numb the finger by immersing it in ice water until the patient can no longer tolerate the cold, or perform a digital nerve block.
3. Sterilization: Clean the cuticle area thoroughly with a sterilizing solution.
4. Incision: Using the #11 blade, make a small stab incision under the skin, parallel to the nail.
5. Drainage: Allow the pus to drain from the incision site.
6. Aftercare: Provide instructions for post-procedure care, including warm water soaks.

Is draining a paronychia painful?

While the thought of having an incision made near the nail can be anxiety-inducing, the procedure is generally well-tolerated when proper anesthesia is used. The relief from pressure often outweighs any discomfort from the procedure itself.

Post-Procedure Care: Ensuring Proper Healing

Proper aftercare is crucial for promoting healing and preventing recurrence of paronychia. Following drainage, patients should:

• Soak the affected finger in warm water for 15 minutes, every two hours, for the next 48 hours
• Keep the area clean and dry between soaks
• Avoid activities that could introduce new bacteria to the site
• Monitor for signs of worsening infection or incomplete drainage

In some cases, particularly for patients with risk factors or more severe infections, antibiotics may be prescribed as a precautionary measure.

How long does it take for a drained paronychia to heal?

With proper care, most paronychias begin to show significant improvement within 24-48 hours after drainage. Complete healing typically occurs within 7-10 days, although this can vary depending on the severity of the infection and individual factors.

Preventing Paronychia: Tips for Maintaining Healthy Nails

While not all cases of paronychia are preventable, there are several steps you can take to reduce your risk:

• Avoid biting nails or picking at cuticles
• Use clean, sharp nail clippers and avoid cutting cuticles
• Moisturize hands and nails regularly to prevent dryness and cracking
• Wear gloves when working with water or harsh chemicals
• Practice good hand hygiene, but avoid excessive hand washing
• Seek prompt treatment for any cuts or injuries around the nails

Are some people more prone to recurring paronychia?

Yes, certain individuals may be more susceptible to recurring paronychia. This includes people with chronic conditions affecting nail health, those with occupational exposures, and individuals with a history of nail trauma. In these cases, working with a healthcare provider to develop a personalized prevention plan may be beneficial.

When to Seek Medical Attention for a Finger Infection

While minor nail infections can often be managed at home, there are situations where professional medical care is necessary. Seek medical attention if:

• The infection shows no improvement after 2-3 days of home treatment
• There is significant swelling, redness, or pus formation
• You experience severe pain or fever
• The infection appears to be spreading beyond the initial site
• You have underlying health conditions that may complicate healing

Prompt treatment can prevent the progression to more serious conditions, such as felons (deep tissue abscesses) that can lead to long-term complications or even loss of function.

What are the potential complications of untreated paronychia?

If left untreated, paronychia can lead to several serious complications:

• Spread of infection to deeper tissues (felon)
• Permanent nail deformity or loss
• Osteomyelitis (bone infection)
• Sepsis in severe cases

These potential outcomes underscore the importance of timely and appropriate treatment for paronychia.

Paronychia in Special Populations: Considerations and Adaptations

While the general principles of paronychia treatment remain consistent, certain populations may require special considerations:

Diabetic Patients

Individuals with diabetes are at higher risk for complications from infections, including paronychia. For these patients:

• More aggressive treatment may be necessary
• Close monitoring of blood sugar levels is crucial
• Longer courses of antibiotics might be prescribed
• Referral to a specialist may be recommended for complex cases

Immunocompromised Individuals

Patients with weakened immune systems due to conditions like HIV/AIDS or those undergoing chemotherapy require careful management:

• Early intervention is key to prevent systemic spread of infection
• Broader spectrum antibiotics may be used
• More frequent follow-ups are typically necessary
• Hospitalization might be considered for severe cases

Pediatric Cases

When treating paronychia in children, healthcare providers must adapt their approach:

• Pain management and anesthesia techniques may differ
• Antibiotic dosing is adjusted based on weight
• Parent education is crucial for proper aftercare
• Strategies to prevent nail-biting may be discussed

How does the treatment approach differ for chronic paronychia?

Chronic paronychia, often seen in individuals with frequent water exposure or irritant contact, requires a different treatment approach:

• Focus on identifying and addressing underlying causes
• Long-term use of topical antifungal or anti-inflammatory agents
• Lifestyle modifications to reduce exposure to irritants
• In some cases, surgical removal of the nail fold may be considered

Understanding these population-specific considerations ensures that all patients receive appropriate, tailored care for their paronychia infections.

How to drain a finger paronychia

Improve your in-clinic patient care with this article on draining a finger paronychia, a common finger infection.

Siamak Moayedi, MD

3m read

Editors:Shelley Jacobs, PhD

Peer reviewers:Franz Wiesbauer, MD MPH Internist

Last update19th Nov 2020

What is a finger paronychia?

A paronychia is an infection of the nail root of the fingers or toes. It’s a very common infection and is caused by the introduction of bacteria under the cuticle. This is often from people chewing or ripping a hangnail with their teeth, and is also seen in barbers.

In a wound culture, Staphylococcus is the most common bacteria. But, you can have any kind of bacteria (such as anaerobes) from the mouth.

Physical signs of a finger paronychia

Patients usually seek help after a few days of increasing swelling and pain at the base of a nail. The area is sensitive and pressure from the building pus is painful.

If the infection continues, it can extend to the pulp of the finger and cause a felon, or deep tissue abscess. This requires aggressive procedures and can even lead to loss of function or amputation.

Figure 1. Physical signs of a finger paronychia include swelling at the base of the nail, sensitivity to touch, pain, and pressure from pus build-up. A deep tissue abscess, or felon, can develop if the infection continues.

How do you treat paronychia?

If the infection is caught early when the nail base is a little swollen and red, you can prescribe frequent warm soaks (at least once every two hours), and a short course of antibiotics (e.g., cephalexin). An established infection and pus collection require incision and drainage.

Figure 2. Early paronychia infections can be treated with frequent warm soaks and antibiotics. Established infections require incision and drainage.

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The tools you need to drain a finger paronychia

The first step when performing the incision and drainage technique is to collect the necessary medication and tools:

• Sterilizing solution
• Ice water
• #11 scalpel

Figure 3. Tools for a finger paronychia include sterilizing solution, ice water, and #11 scalpel.

How to drain a finger paronychia

This step-by-step procedure ensures a safe, clean, and (relatively) painless abscess drainage:

1. Place the patient’s finger in a cup of ice water until they can’t stand it anymore to numb the finger. This method is fast, painless, and softens the cuticle. Alternatively, you can perform a digital nerve block.
2. When the finger is numb, clean the cuticle with the sterilizing solution.
3. Stab under the skin parallel to the nail, using your #11 blade.
4. You will immediately see pus come out.

Figure 4. Procedure for draining a finger paronychia. 1) Numb the finger with ice water or a digital nerve block. 2) Clean the cuticle with sterilizing solution. 3) Stab under the skin parallel to the nail with the #11 blade. 4) Pus will escape from the incision.

Post-procedure care for a finger paronychia

Have your patient soak their finger in warm water every two hours for the next two days. Antibiotics are not needed for minor cases of paronychia, but use your judgment depending on the patient’s risk factors.

Figure 5. After draining a finger paronychia, instruct your patient to soak their finger in warm water every two hours for the next two days.

Excellent job! You’re well on your way to mastering the treatment of a finger paronychia.

That’s it for now. If you want to improve your understanding of key concepts in medicine, and improve your clinical skills, make sure to register for a free trial account, which will give you access to free videos and downloads. We’ll help you make the right decisions for yourself and your patients.

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Siamak Moayedi, MD

Associate Professor and Director of Medical Student Education, University of Maryland and Course Director, Essential and Critical Procedures, Emergency Medicine.

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How to Drain a Pus-Filled Finger

By : NCampos on : January 8, 2021 comments : (Comments Off on How to Drain a Pus-Filled Finger)

So here’s a new one for me: I woke up yesterday morning with a very sore ring fingernail on my left hand. I felt it as I staggered to the bathroom still ninety percent asleep. I bumped my hand against the wall, “Ow!” What the heck? I rubbed the edge of the nail a few times as I multitasked at the toilet. It really hurt, but I was still sleeping so I stopped paying attention and went back to bed. I woke up and it was even sorer than before. I must have been bitten by a spider, that’s what I actually thought, because I live amongst many, and they have been at war with me and my kids for the last few years (I still like to think I am winning). My finger had that burning feeling, the same way a spider bite feels, itchy and hot. By afternoon, I could barely touch the fingertip or nail. It hurt particularly badly by the thumb-side cuticle. I tried to play guitar; I could barely press down on the frets.

I thought, “That’s it.” I must have cut my finger and the guitar strings have enough migrated skin bacteria that it got into my wound, which I didn’t actually see, but since I was making stuff up… Anyway, I decided to look it up: Are infections common in guitar players? Blam! Up come articles and posting boards all about infected guitar-finger; many had pictures. Yup that looks just like my finger does, so I started reading. All the rocker-posters said the same thing, “I get these often and repeatedly.” Interestingly, I have never gotten an infected finger from playing guitar. I couldn’t even recognize the type of pain I had originally thought was a spider bite. It was that unfamiliar to me, but I guessed that’s what it had to be because I had no recollection of cutting myself and that was the only way I could fathom I had an infection.

An infected finger close to the nail is called a paronychia. The symptoms are a red, swollen, hot finger – pain to the touch. And there can be pus. I had pus. Upon reading the causes of paronychia, it hit me – I had a hangnail on that finger exactly where it hurt most, which I chewed off. It hurt as a hangnail, it hurt when I yanked it off with my teeth, and it hurt for several days afterward. But then the pain went away for several days. It was only when I bumped my hand into the wall on my way to the bathroom did I have pain again in that finger, and boy was it a doozy.

I tried some of the home remedies I found on the web. First was soak in warm water. It had me thinking, “Horsesh*t,” because I do not equate heat with inflammation relief. But to my surprise, it gave me minimal relief. Very minimal, mind you, but it was something. Then I cleaned it with alcohol (reasonable enough), and put Neosporin (not a huge fan but have some lying about) around the infected cuticle. I took ibuprofen. My finger pain eased substantially, and my hope was that maybe (just maybe) the finger would feel better in the morning.

It didn’t. In fact, it hurt even worse the next day. I couldn’t even put my hand in my pocket without wincing. I contacted my surgeon friend thinking I might need antibiotics. He told me to pop by and he could check it out, probably drain it.

Okay, I was happy to take care of my finger right away. I always say we don’t realize how much we use a body part until we have an injury, then we are reminded how much each body part is integral to our sensing and acting within the world. I went for an adjustment first, because I also had a bit of back pain and sciatica, but that’s another story. After my adjustment, I was feeling fine, I headed over to my friend’s place in West Hollywood. It was pretty obvious at this point it was infected. The pus-filled cuticle was expanding and my finger was red and hard. He took a lance and opened it from the top of the infected cuticle. I didn’t feel a thing, nada. Then he put down the lance and took my ring finger with his right hand and used the left to squeeze out the pus. This I felt – it wasn’t pleasant, but seeing the pus ooze out made it less painful in some way. There was an ample amount of pus, not loads, but maybe the size of a ladybug. However, when there was no more to come out, the squeezing hurt. The finger was so swollen that he had to sort of work the entire area, sort of knead it toward the lanced opening. Once that clear fluid (exudate) started to squeeze out, I knew he had gotten everything. And then, of course, it is followed by blood. A quick cleanup and a bandage with a little antibiotic salve, and voilà, my finger felt better and was now on the mend. No antibiotics needed.

This is what it looks like as I write this. Today I have no pain whatsoever in the finger tip, so I was able to play the guitar. I am typing freely now, while the previous night I still had to improvise. There is still a moderately red band around the joint just beneath the cuticle, and the side which was pus-filled, where the original hangnail was, is still a bit sore. However, my friend told me it would be likely cleared up in a few days. Bravo!

It is amazing to me how one hangnail could have such a huge impact, but it’s a good reminder for me (and you!) to not use our mouths to chew on nails, fingers, hangnails, whatever. The bacteria in our saliva do not belong in our wounds. Further, once you open a wound, even with something as small as a hangnail, anything really can infect it, even your own hands, so practice diligent hygiene. I am not suggesting to be a germophobe, but wounds of every sort warrant a little extra caution, that’s just a fact of life. So if you find yourself with a paronychia, from a cut, hangnail, or chomping at your fingernails, you will need it drained. If you can do it yourself with a sterile lance, have at it. But be clean above all – alcohol, antibacterial salve (Neosporin), and a bandage – and you can probably correct the problem yourself. Just be certain if it doesn’t get significantly better almost immediately (like 24 hrs), go to an Urgent Care. If it gets worse, go to the emergency room (ER) immediately.

Caring for Your Jackson-Pratt Drain

This information will help you learn how to care for your Jackson-Pratt Drain after you leave the hospital. You will also benefit from watching the following video.

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About the Jackson-Pratt Drain System

Figure 1. Jackson-Pratt Drain System

The Jackson-Pratt Drain System consists of a flexible tube attached to a soft plastic vessel with a stopper (see Figure 1). The drainage end of the tube (flat white part) is inserted into the surgical field through the insertion site. The insertion site is a small opening next to the incision.

The drain end of the tube is secured with suture material. The rest of the tube protrudes from your body and is attached to a vessel.

When you compress (squeeze) a vessel with a closed stopper, a uniform, low suction pressure is created. The vessel should always be in a compressed state, in addition to the moment when you empty the drain.

It is not the same for everyone. Some people have a large amount of fluid released through the drain, some do not. Record the amount of fluid released in the drainage log at the end of this resource. Bring the journal to your doctor’s appointments for follow-up.

The length of time you use your Jackson-Pratt drain depends on your surgery and the amount of fluid coming out of the drain. Call your healthcare provider if the amount of fluid coming out of the drain does not exceed 30 milliliters (mL) in 24 hours. Your surgeon may remove the Jackson-Pratt drainage system or leave it on for a longer period for certain procedures

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How to Maintain Your Jackson-Pratt 9 Drain System0005

After you leave the hospital, you will care for your Jackson-Pratt drainage system as follows:

• clean the tube by squeezing it to remove clots;
• empty the drainage system twice a day – once in the morning and once in the evening. Record the amount of fluid released through the drain in the Jackson-Pratt Drainage Log at the end of this resource. If there are multiple drains, measure and record the amount of fluid for each one separately. Do not summarize readings.
• take care of the place where the tube is inserted into the skin;
• check for problems.

Clean tubing

The following steps will help clear clots from the tubing and restore flow through the drain system. Clean the tubing before emptying the system and measuring the amount of fluid being released. Also, clean the tubing if you notice fluid leaking around the insertion site.

Prepare everything you need before starting. You will need:

• measuring container given to you by a nurse;
• 1 alcohol wipe;
• Jackson-Pratt Drainage Journal, pen or pencil.

1. Wash your hands. If you wash your hands with soap, wet them and lather. Rub your hands together for 20 seconds, then rinse off the soap. Dry your hands with a disposable towel. Turn off the faucet with the same towel.
   If using an alcohol-based hand rub, apply it to your hands. Then rub your hands together until they are dry.

2. Look at the tube in the mirror. This will help you figure out where your hands should be.
3. Pinch the tube between the thumb and forefinger of one hand as close as possible to the insertion site. To make it easier for your fingers to slide through the tube, you can use alcohol wipes. Continue to hold the tube in this manner while cleaning it. This ensures that you do not pull on the skin causing pain.
4. With the thumb and forefinger of the other hand, squeeze the tube directly under the fingers of the first hand. Continuing to squeeze your fingers, slide them down the tube, moving the clots towards the vessel.

Repeat steps 3 and 4 as many times as necessary to allow clots to drain from the tube into the vessel. If the clots cannot be drained into the vessel, or if there is little or no fluid coming out, tell your healthcare provider.

Emptying the Jackson-Pratt Drain

Once all the clots are in the vessel, it can be emptied. Prepare a clean work surface. You can use the bathroom or other room where there is a dry, uncluttered surface.

First, remove the drainage vessel from the postoperative bra or bandage, if you are wearing them.

When emptying the Jackson-Pratt drain system, follow the instructions below:

Figure 2 Emptying the Vessel

1. Remove the stopper from the top of the vessel. Due to this, the vessel will straighten. Do not touch the inside of the stopper or the inside of the vessel opening.

2. Turn the vessel upside down and squeeze it slightly. Pour the liquid into a measuring container (see figure 2).

3. Turn the vessel with the correct hole up. Squeeze the vessel so that the fingers of your hand touch the palm of your hand. All air must come out of the vessel.
4. Continuing to squeeze the vessel, insert the cork into place. Make sure the vessel remains fully compressed to ensure even low suction. For the drainage system to work, the plug must be closed.
5. Attach the drainage vessel to your postoperative bra or bandage if you are wearing one. Use a plastic loop or Velcro®. Do not let the drainage system hang freely. You may find it convenient to carry your drainage system in a fanny pack or pouch.
6. Check the amount and color of the liquid in the measuring container. In the first couple of days after surgery, the liquid may have a dark red tint. This is fine. As the wound heals, the fluid may turn pink or pale yellow.
7. Record the amount (in ml) and color of fluid coming out of the drain in the Jackson-Pratt Drain Log.
8. Flush the liquid down the toilet and rinse the measuring container with water.
9. At the end of each day, calculate the total amount of fluid excreted during the day. Record the amount of fluid in the last column of the drainage log. If there is more than 1 drainage system, take measurements and keep records for each one separately. Do not summarize readings.

How to care for the injection site

Watch for signs of infection

Wash your hands again after emptying the drainage system. Examine the area around the insertion site for signs of infection, such as:

• sensitivity;
• edema;
• discharge of pus;
• temperature increase;
• more pronounced than usual redness. Sometimes a dime-sized redness develops at the insertion site of the drain. This is fine.

If you have any of these signs or symptoms, or if you have a temperature of 101°F (38.3°C) or higher, call your healthcare provider. He may advise you to apply a bandage to the insertion site.

Keep the skin around the drain site clean and dry

Keep the drain site clean and dry by washing with soap and water, then pat dry with a towel.

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Common Drainage Problems Jackson-Pratt

The first time, a nurse will watch you empty your drain to make sure you’re doing it right. Once you learn how to care for a Jackson-Pratt drainage system, you will be doing it yourself. Even after you start taking care of the system yourself, you can always ask for help. Call your healthcare provider if you have problems caring for your Jackson-Pratt drainage system.

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How to care for your skin after the drain is removed

Your healthcare provider will remove the drain and cover the insertion site with a bandage. It is important to keep the injection site and adjacent skin clean and dry. This will speed up the healing process and help prevent infection.

If you have undergone reconstructive surgery, skin care after the removal of the drainage system will be different.

Skin care in cases where reconstructive surgery has not been performed

If you had surgery without reconstruction, after removing the drainage system, follow these recommendations:

• Remove the bandage after 24 hours.

• The incision site should not be wetted until it is completely healed and the drainage system is removed. After removing the bandage, you can take a shower, but do not take a bath or swim in the pool.

• Wash the incision site gently with soap and water, rinse with warm water, and pat dry with a towel.
• Examine the incision site, use a mirror if necessary. It is considered normal if you experience:
  • slight redness;
  • mild swelling;
  • sensitivity;
  • a small amount of clear or bloody liquid on a gauze swab.

Skin Care After Reconstructive Surgery

If you have undergone reconstructive surgery, follow these guidelines after removing the drainage system.

• Change dressings every 12 hours if necessary.
• Your surgeon will tell you when you can shower after the drain has been removed.

• • Do not wet the incision site for 4-6 weeks after reconstructive surgery. Do not take a bath or swim in the pool. For more information, watch the video How to Maintain Your Jackson-Pratt Drainage System.
• Wash the area gently with soap and rinse with warm water. Pat dry with a towel.
• Examine the incision site, use a mirror if necessary. It is considered normal if you experience:
  • slight redness;
  • mild swelling;
  • sensitivity;
  • a small amount of clear or bloody liquid on a gauze swab.

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When to call your health care provider

Call your health care provider right away if you have:

• secreted bright red liquid;
• body temperature 101°F (38.3°C) or higher;
• at the injection site of the drainage, redness, sensitivity, swelling, a feeling of pressure increase, or pus is released;
• the skin around the surgical site is hot to the touch;
• you cannot remove the clot into the vessel or the amount of fluid secreted is negligible or it is absent.

Call your healthcare provider Monday through Friday from 9:00 to 17:00 if:

• the amount of fluid released through the drain suddenly decreased or increased by 100 ml in the last 24 hours;
• the amount of fluid released through the drainage does not exceed 30 milliliters (ml) in 24 hours;
• the tube falls out of the insertion site;
• you cannot shrink the vessel;
• Are you having trouble maintaining your Jackson-Pratt drainage system?

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Abscess (incision and drainage)

Sometimes an abscess is called an abscess. An abscess occurs when bacteria get under the skin and begin to multiply. As the body reacts to the bacteria, pus forms inside the abscess. An abscess can result from an insect bite, an ingrown hair, a clogged sebaceous gland, a pimple, a cyst, or a penetrating wound.

Your doctor removed pus from your abscess. If the focus of the abscess was large, the doctor could place a gauze pad there. At your next visit, the doctor will need to replace or remove it. If an infection has spread around the wound, you may be given antibiotics. But you may not need them to treat a simple abscess.

The wound will take 1 to 2 weeks to heal, depending on the size of the abscess. Healthy tissue will begin to grow from the bottom and sides of the wound until it closes.

Home Care

These tips will help heal your wound:

• Fluid may leak from the wound during the first 2 days. Cover the wound with a clean, dry bandage. If the bandage is wet with blood or pus, change it.

• If a cotton swab is placed in the boil, you may be told to remove it yourself. You can do it in the bathroom. Immediately after removing the tampon, wash the wound area in the shower or clean it as directed by your doctor. Keep doing this until the wound closes. Discard the swab carefully to prevent the spread of possible infections. Be sure to wash your hands after changing a tampon or cleaning a wound.

• Do not stop taking antibiotics until you have completed the entire course of treatment.

• Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be used for pain unless another pain medication is prescribed. If you have chronic liver disease or stomach ulcers, talk with your doctor before taking these medicines.

Follow-up

See your doctor or other specialist as recommended. If a tampon has been placed in your wound, it should be removed after 1-2 days, or as directed by a physician. Check your wound every day for signs of worsening infection. They are listed below.

When to seek medical help

In the following cases, you should immediately consult a doctor:

• Increased redness or swelling

• Red streaks on the skin coming from a wound

• Increased pain or swelling

• 2 days after treatment, pus still oozes from the wound

• Temperature 38°C (100. 4°F) or higher, or as directed by a physician

• Return of boil after treatment

© 2000-2022 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional’s instructions.

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