Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Suggest Medication For Nail Infection
Question: What is the best type of antibiotic (combination of antibitoics) for a finger infection underneath the nail (from a contusion that is still draining if the person is also a diabetic but has good circulation), how long does it take for drainage on average (after procedures are done as side opfoenings on finger done for drainage and hole in nail) for an adult, should cold compress still be used after several days if drainage is not complete
?
?
Brief Answer:
few options
Detailed Answer:
Hi and welcome.
For diabetics, it is most efficient to use combination of clyndamicin 3x600mg and ciprofloxacin 2x500mg for 7 days. Usually in nail infection, paronichias or panaritium we try to avoid antibiotic use and drain it surgically. In your case there may be combination of panaritium and infected subunguicular hematoma which complicates thing a bit. YOu may try with these 2 antibiotics but I think you should wait for several more days,dont apply any compresses, just keep area clean and dry. If there is no improvement you can switch antibiotic to what i ve said. Finally, if there is no improvement, the nail should be removed,but it will grow again in 6 months. Wish you good health. Regards
few options
Detailed Answer:
Hi and welcome.
For diabetics, it is most efficient to use combination of clyndamicin 3x600mg and ciprofloxacin 2x500mg for 7 days. Usually in nail infection, paronichias or panaritium we try to avoid antibiotic use and drain it surgically. In your case there may be combination of panaritium and infected subunguicular hematoma which complicates thing a bit. YOu may try with these 2 antibiotics but I think you should wait for several more days,dont apply any compresses, just keep area clean and dry. If there is no improvement you can switch antibiotic to what i ve said. Finally, if there is no improvement, the nail should be removed,but it will grow again in 6 months. Wish you good health. Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
Thanks very much for your quick response about the effective types of anti infection medications for diabetics--I am unsure if I will try them due to what I saw on the internet some of their side effects could be, though it is great to know that there are other options in case the Keflex that I have does not work. For now, I am staying on the Keflex medication I have.
Underneath my nail looks much better today, and it did not bubble with hydrogen peroxide when I cleaned it. Yet, the shiny, tight skin is still there along the finger, especially when the wound is dry--does that mean there is an infection underneath the thumb finger skin/nail that I cannot see, or that it is irritated from above? I do not understand the shiny, tight skin along the finger--the meaning of it. If you could respond in the next few days, that would be appreciated.
Underneath my nail looks much better today, and it did not bubble with hydrogen peroxide when I cleaned it. Yet, the shiny, tight skin is still there along the finger, especially when the wound is dry--does that mean there is an infection underneath the thumb finger skin/nail that I cannot see, or that it is irritated from above? I do not understand the shiny, tight skin along the finger--the meaning of it. If you could respond in the next few days, that would be appreciated.
Brief Answer:
yes I can
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
It is not good to be on antibiotic for longer period,especialyl for such localized infections.
Shiny,tight skin isnt sign of infection,it may be sign of previous infections and this is reaction of surrounding skin on infectious agent. You had obviosuly an inflammed hematoma under the nail than caused prolonge dsubacute infection and antibiotic could not easily reach this area. Hematoma should have been removed initially by nail trepanation or partial removal. Now, I dont think yoi need to b e worried,be patient and it will heal.
yes I can
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
It is not good to be on antibiotic for longer period,especialyl for such localized infections.
Shiny,tight skin isnt sign of infection,it may be sign of previous infections and this is reaction of surrounding skin on infectious agent. You had obviosuly an inflammed hematoma under the nail than caused prolonge dsubacute infection and antibiotic could not easily reach this area. Hematoma should have been removed initially by nail trepanation or partial removal. Now, I dont think yoi need to b e worried,be patient and it will heal.
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
