With these 10 tips you can fight nail fold infections

• Start warm water soaks early

At the first sign of a nail-fold infection, you can soak the affected finger or toe three to four times a day for 10 to 15 minutes in warm soapy water. This eases pain and swelling and promotes healing.

• Thoroughly dry after the soak

After each soak you should carefully dry the finger or toe, as moisture favours germ growth. Make sure to dry gently but thoroughly.

• Seek medical advice if it worsens

If the inflammation does not improve after two to three days or becomes worse — for example with increasing redness or pus formation — please see a doctor promptly.

• Protect from moisture and irritants

To prevent or relieve a chronic nail-fold infection, protect your hands from water and aggressive irritants by wearing plastic gloves when cleaning or washing up.

• Rest and cool the fingers and toes

Keep the inflamed area elevated and cool it regularly to reduce pain and swelling. This gives the body time to recover.

• Do not touch inflamed areas

Avoid touching the inflamed skin or nail with your fingers. This prevents spreading the germs and does not interfere with healing.

• Use home-soaks with chamomile or arnica

Lukewarm soaks with chamomile, arnica or plain soap can have anti-inflammatory effects. Add these to the water for a hand or foot soak for about five to ten minutes.

• Use potassium permanganate solutions sensibly

One percent potassium permanganate solutions available from pharmacies have a disinfecting effect. They can be added to the soak water two to three times a day to help fight the inflammation.

• Never pierce pus blisters yourself

Do not open pus blisters or cut into the inflamed area yourself. This can spread the infection or lead to more serious complications.

• Use ointments purposefully

Antiseptic ointments containing povidone‑iodine kill germs effectively. Drawing ointments can help bring pus to the surface, while zinc ointments promote healing and have anti-inflammatory properties.