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Can I Use Peroxide To Treat Finger Nail Injury?

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Posted on Tue, 22 Sep 2015
Question: I shot a thin trim nail through my pointer finger, it went in on the bottom side of my finger and came straight out the top side clean through my finger nail, how should I treat this at home, peroxide soak?
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Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
yes, add a topical antibiotic, may need tetanus shot

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

Yes, peroxide would work as an anti septic and would reduce the risk of infection, a topical antibiotic would also be advised.
Topical antibiotics can be found over the counter.

You may also need a tetanus shot as well.

If the nail is very clean and the wound is not contaminated (eg soil, debris) and your last tetanus shot was within 10 yrs then you do not need a shot at this time.
If more than 10 yrs then you need a shot.

If the nail was not clean and the wound contaminated and you had a shot within the last 5 yrs then you do not need a shot but if it was more than 5 yrs then a shot is needed.

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

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Can I Use Peroxide To Treat Finger Nail Injury?

Brief Answer: yes, add a topical antibiotic, may need tetanus shot Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic Yes, peroxide would work as an anti septic and would reduce the risk of infection, a topical antibiotic would also be advised. Topical antibiotics can be found over the counter. You may also need a tetanus shot as well. If the nail is very clean and the wound is not contaminated (eg soil, debris) and your last tetanus shot was within 10 yrs then you do not need a shot at this time. If more than 10 yrs then you need a shot. If the nail was not clean and the wound contaminated and you had a shot within the last 5 yrs then you do not need a shot but if it was more than 5 yrs then a shot is needed. I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions