When your child has a fingernail infection, you usually see:

	a large pimple where the cuticle and the fingernail meet
	redness and tenderness around this area
	sometimes, pus may drain from this area, too.

The infection can be caused by bacteria or yeast.

How can I take care of my child?

It helps to soak your child's sore finger in warm water and liquid antibacterial soap.

	Soak your child's sore finger three times a day for 10 minutes.
	Do this for at least 4 days, or longer if it has not healed.

If your child has a bacterial infection:

	Put antibiotic ointment on the sore area 6 times a day.
	Cover it with a bandage.

Open any large pimple. Here's how:

	Carefully clean a needle with rubbing alcohol or a flame.
	Gently poke the needle into the large pimple.
	Let the pus drain out.
	You may need to gently squeeze so that the pus comes out.

If your child has a yeast infection:

	Put the medicine prescribed by your physician on the sore 3 times a day.
	Keep the area dry.
	Do not cover it with a bandage.

You can help keep your child from getting an infection again:

	If you notice hangnails, cut them off with nail clippers.
	Tell your child not to pick or chew at hangnails.

Call your child's doctor right away if:

	Your child gets a fever.
	A red streak spreads beyond the cuticle.

	The infection has not gotten better after 48 hours.
	The infection is not totally cleared up in 7 days.
	You have other concerns or questions.