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Pus Under Fingernails with Pain and Infection Spread
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Skin & Hair Concerns
Question #26436
8 hours ago
23

Pus Under Fingernails with Pain and Infection Spread - #26436

Client_91b3c1

I have pus under my fingernails (not on the surface). It has been 7 days, and it hurts. The infection has been spreading day by day. I popped it and some pus came out, but it caused the pus to spread further under the fingernails. There is also a black spot at the tip of my fingernails.

How long have you had the pus under your fingernails?:

- 1-4 weeks

Have you noticed any other symptoms besides pain and pus?:

- Swelling

Have you tried any treatments for this condition?:

- No, I haven't tried anything
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Doctors' responses

Dr. Prasannajeet Singh Shekhawat
I am a 2023 batch passout and working as a general physician right now, based in Hanumangarh, Rajasthan. Still kinda new in the bigger picture maybe, but honestly—every single day in this line teaches you more than textbooks ever could. I’ve had the chance to work under some pretty respected doctors during and after my graduation, not just for the clinical part but also to see how they handle people, real people, in pain, in panic, and sometimes just confused about their own health. General medicine covers a lot, right? Like from the smallest complaints to those random, vague symptoms that no one really understands at first—those are kinda my zone now. I don’t really rush to label things, I try to spend time actually listening. Feels weird to say it but ya, I do take that part seriously. Some patients just need someone to hear the whole story instead of jumping to prescription pads after 30 seconds. Right now, my practice includes everything from managing common infections, blood pressure issues, sugar problems to more layered cases where symptoms overlap and you gotta just... piece things together. It's not glamorous all the time, but it's real. I’ve handled a bunch of seasonal disease waves too, like dengue surges and viral fevers that hit rural belts hard—Hanumangarh doesn’t get much spotlight but there’s plenty happening out here. Also, I do rely on basics—thorough history, solid clinical exam and yeah when needed, investigations. But not over-prescribing things just cz they’re there. One thing I picked up from the senior consultants I worked with—they used to say “don’t chase labs, chase the patient’s story”... stuck with me till now. Anyway, still learning every single day tbh. But I like that. Keeps me grounded and kind of obsessed with trying to get better.
3 hours ago
5

Hello I need to understand this better to give you proper guidance.

Quick clarifications: 1. Which finger(s) are affected? - Just one, or multiple fingers? 2. The pus under the nail: - Is it under the entire nail, or just a section? - How much of the nail is affected—small area or most of it? 3. The black spot at the tip: - Is it dark/blackened nail tissue, or a dark discoloration? - Is it painful to touch? 4. The swelling: - Is it around the nail bed (the skin under/around the nail)? - How much swelling—mild or significant? 5. Since you popped it: - Is pus still draining, or has it stopped? - Is the area getting redder or more swollen? 6. Any fever or warmth in the finger?

Important note: Pus under the nail that’s spreading and causing increasing pain suggests a nail bed infection (paronychia or subungual abscess). This typically needs professional drainage—popping it yourself can spread the infection deeper, which is what seems to be happening.

You likely need to see a doctor soon for proper drainage and possibly antibiotics. Delaying could lead to permanent nail damage or deeper infection.

Rx- personal visit to doctor and physical drainage is must . Tab Amoxicillin 625 mg - twice a day for 5 days Tab Paracetamol 500 mg - twice a day for 5 days Oint bnc- apply on affected area

Thank you

651 answered questions
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Dr. Arsha K Isac
I am a general dentist with 3+ years of working in real-world setups, and lemme say—every single patient teaches me something diff. It’s not just teeth honestly, it’s people… and how they feel walking into the chair. I try really hard to not make it just a “procedure thing.” I explain stuff in plain words—no confusing dental jargon, just straight talk—coz I feel like when ppl *get* what's going on, they feel safer n that makes all the difference. Worked with all ages—like, little kids who need that gentle nudge about brushing, to older folks who come in with long histories and sometimes just need someone to really sit n listen. It’s weirdly rewarding to see someone walk out lighter, not just 'coz their toothache's gone but coz they felt seen during the whole thing. A lot of ppl come in scared or just unsure, and I honestly take that seriously. I keep the vibe calm. Try to read their mood, don’t rush. I always tell myself—every smile’s got a story, even the broken ones. My thing is: comfort first, then precision. I want the outcome to last, not just look good for a week. Not tryna claim perfection or magic solutions—just consistent, clear, hands-on care where patients feel heard. I think dentistry should *fit* the person, not push them into a box. That's kinda been my philosophy from day one. And yeah, maybe sometimes I overexplain or spend a bit too long checking alignment again but hey, if it means someone eats pain-free or finally smiles wide in pics again? Worth it. Every time.
2 hours ago
5

Hello

This sounds like a nail infection (paronychia or abscess) that is spreading.

Because there is pain, swelling, pus under the nail, and a black spot → you should see a doctor urgently.

🛑 It may need drainage and antibiotics.

What to do now: Do NOT squeeze or pop it again 🛑🛑Soak finger in warm salt water 10–15 min, 3–4 times daily

Keep it clean and dry Seek medical care as soon as possible

Go urgently if pain worsens, fever appears, or swelling spreads to the finger/hand.

Here i can only prescribe antibiotics

But you need abscess drainage also

Thus please consult your nearest doctor in person

Thank you Take care

1025 answered questions
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Dr. Bharat Joshi
I’m a periodontist and academician with a strong clinical and teaching background. Over the last 4 years and 8 months, I’ve been actively involved in dental education, guiding students at multiple levels including dental hygienist, BDS, and MDS programs. Currently, I serve as a Reader at MMCDSR in Ambala, Haryana—a role that allows me to merge my academic passion with hands-on experience. Clinically, I’ve been practicing dentistry for the past 12 years. From routine procedures like scaling and root planing to more advanced cases involving grafts, biopsies, and implant surgeries. Honestly, I still find joy in doing a simple RCT when it’s needed. It’s not just about the procedure but making sure the patient feels comfortable and safe. Academically, I have 26 research publications to my credit. I’m on the editorial boards of the Archives of Dental Research and Journal of Dental Research and Oral Health, and I’ve spent a lot of time reviewing manuscripts—from case reports to meta-analyses and even book reviews. I was honored to receive the “Best Editor” award by Innovative Publications, and Athena Publications recognized me as an “excellent reviewer,” which honestly came as a bit of a surprise! In 2025, I had the opportunity to present a guest lecture in Italy on traumatic oral lesions. Sharing my work and learning from peers globally has been incredibly fulfilling. Outside academics and clinics, I’ve also worked in the pharmaceutical sector as a Drug Safety Associate for about 3 years, focusing on pharmacovigilance. That role really sharpened my attention to detail and deepened my understanding of drug interactions and adverse effects. My goal is to keep learning, and give every patient and student my absolute best.
2 hours ago
5

Hello dear See it seems deep infection Iam suggesting some medication for improvement Please follow them for atleast a week Avoid moisture contamination Apply lulliconazole or fusidic acid topical application twice a day for 5 days Tablet Amoxicillin 500 mg twice a day for 5 days Betadine dressing to Be done by general surgeon Do not traumatizing the tooth In case of no improvement consult podiatrist or general surgeon for better clarity Regards

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