Antibiotics for a nail infection

The right treatment depends on whether the problem is in the skin beside the nail, beneath the nail, or within the nail plate itself. A clinician may inspect the area and sometimes take a sample before choosing treatment.

Sudden redness, warmth, swelling, tenderness or pus at a nail edge can fit a bacterial skin infection. A pocket of pus may need drainage because medicine alone may not clear a closed abscess.

Gradual thickening, crumbling or yellow-white discolouration more often fits a fungal nail problem. Antifungal treatment, nail care or testing may be considered instead of an antibiotic. Injury, psoriasis and irritation can also alter a nail without infection.

Keep the finger or toe clean and dry, avoid cutting into the sore nail fold, and do not squeeze or puncture a swollen area. Wear roomy footwear if a toenail is affected. Warm-water soaks may ease a mildly inflamed nail fold, followed by careful drying.

Do not use leftover antibiotics or share someone else's medicine. If an antibiotic is prescribed, take it exactly as directed and report rash, facial swelling, breathing difficulty or severe diarrhoea promptly.

Arrange prompt assessment if redness is spreading beyond the nail, pain or swelling is increasing, pus is collecting, red streaks appear, or you feel feverish or unwell. Seek earlier care if you have diabetes, poor circulation or a weakened immune system because a small foot or hand infection can become harder to control.

Emergency help is appropriate for breathing difficulty, collapse, confusion or rapidly worsening swelling after taking a medicine.

Ask whether the changes look bacterial, fungal or non-infectious; whether a sample or drainage is needed; how to protect the nail during healing; and what change should trigger another examination.