You should not squeeze pus out of an infected finger yourself, as this can push bacteria deeper, spread the infection, and make it worse; instead, use warm water soaks to encourage natural drainage, and see a doctor if it doesn't improve, as they may need to perform a sterile incision and drainage (I&D) to properly drain the abscess.
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.
Avoid touching, pushing, popping, or squeezing the abscess because that can spread the infection to other parts of the skin, making things worse.
The abscess may need be drained to get rid of the pus. This usually involves a small operation to make a cut in the skin which will allow the pus to drain. You may be given a local anaesthetic so you do not feel anything when the abscess is drained. You may also be given antibiotics if the abscess is infected.
The mainstay of treatment for finger infections is antibiotics and proper wound care. The proper wound care varies for each of the different infections. This can range from a simple incision and drainage of the wound to an extensive surgical exploration of the wound to remove as much infected material as possible.
Soak the infected area in warm water for about 15 minutes a few times a day. Be sure to dry the area thoroughly. Soaking the cuticle and nailbed helps pus drain from under the skin. If symptoms don't get better after a day or two of home remedies, see your provider.
Baking Soda Paste
Baking soda can neutralize acids and draw out infections. Mix baking soda with water to form a paste and apply it directly to the infection for it to work its magic.
Pus is usually a sign of an infection. Infections can cause wounds that grow and damage more and more surrounding tissue. Larger wounds can take longer to heal and may scar.
Apply a warm washcloth or compress to the affected area several times a day, for about 10 minutes each time. This helps the boil rupture and drain more quickly. Never squeeze or lance a boil yourself. This can spread the infection.
Yellow or green pus can be a sign of a bacterial infection. Pink or red pus means there's blood mixed in. Brown pus is rare, but it could point to a more serious problem, like a liver infection.
These white blood cells, along with dead skin cells and sebum (oil), form the pus you see in a pimple. Over time, the inflammation subsides, and the pimple either comes to a head and drains on its own or is reabsorbed by the body.
You may be tempted to pop this unwanted guest, but it's not a good idea. Contrary to what pimple popping videos may show, squeezing your skin to extract the contents of a pimple — a mixture of oil, dead skin and bacteria — can cause scarring and infection.
Treatment from a GP
You may be prescribed antiviral tablets if you see a GP within 48 hours of your symptoms showing. Antiviral tablets can help your finger to heal more quickly. If you cannot see a GP within 48 hours, the infection will usually go away without treatment within 2 to 3 weeks.
Sometimes skin abscesses need to be drained by the doctor. The doctor will apply a numbing medicine, then make a tiny cut in the top of the abscess to let the pus drain out.
Your urgent care doctor will examine your skin infection or abscess. If you have an abscess, your doctor will also need to incise and drain your abscess in the office. This process is much less painful than allowing it to happen naturally, and the pus must leave your body.
Some finger infections cause the finger to be held in a bent position. There may be evidence of an abscess forming and discharge from a wound. If the infection is more widespread then the patient may have more systemic symptoms such as a fever.
Symptoms of a staph infection. Symptoms of a staph skin infection can include: a painful red lump or bump (a boil, carbuncle or abscess) hot, red and swollen skin (cellulitis)
Herpetic whitlow is a herpes simplex infection that typically appears on the distal phalanx of the fingers. It often presents with abrupt onset of oedema, redness, and localized severe tenderness of the infected finger. The pulp space is soft, not tensely swollen, and vesicles are present.
Green pus can be a sign of a bacterial infection and often has a bad smell. Red or pink pus typically means blood has seeped into the infected area. Yellow pus can be a sign of a bacterial infection like strep or staph. Brown pus is a sign of liver infection.
Most abscesses do not need antibiotics: drainage of the pus is sufficient. However, antibiotics are sometimes required. Antibiotics will usually be required if you have an artificial heart valve or some other heart conditions or if you have an artificial joint.
The most effective natural remedies include medical-grade honey, aloe vera gel, and properly diluted tea tree oil. Warm salt water solutions can also help draw out infection, while turmeric paste may help reduce inflammation when applied to surrounding skin.
Wash the area with clean water 2 times a day. Don't use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, which can slow healing. You may cover the area with a thin layer of antibiotic ointment and a non-stick bandage.
Salt water is a natural antiseptic. It helps draw out infection, reduce swelling, and flush out food particles or bacteria that may be irritating the gums. Warm salt water can also soothe sore tissues and support the healing of minor wounds in the mouth.