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What Causes Bad Odour From The Broken Nail?
Hi. So I bite my nails, I know it is bad but I can t help it. Well I went a little overboard the other day and pulled off part of my nail. My finger throbbed for a while but then after I was able to drain it of some pus, it started to feel better. Except it now smells really, really bad. I ve been washing it but it doesn t seem to help. Should I go to the ER/Urgent care?
Mon, 4 Apr 2016
Hi,
From the information you are providing, it is clear that you have got infection in the finger in the area that has been exposed due to broken nail.
The pus inside causes pressure in the skin causing throbbing pain and the pain got relieved as the pus got out from the infection area.
The pus is drained, but not the infection. That is why the area is smelling. You need to take some antibiotics to get rid of this infection. If you are not allergic to Penicillin group of medicines, you can take Amoxicillin (Mox) 500 mg 2 times a day for 5 days. Do not cover the area with anything but do take care that the area is not exposed to dirt, soap or detergents. You can keep it clean with Dettol or Sevlon and cazn apply Soframycin Gel over it.
If you are feeling pain, you can take Paracetamol (Crocin) 500 mg as and when you need it.
In case you do not feel better in 2-3 days, you might need to go to a physician for physical examination of the area. However, I would advise you to leave the habit of nail biting if possible, as this situation can arise repeatedly with that habit.
I hope this information helps. Thank you for choosing HealthCareMagic. I wish you feel better soon.
Best,
Dr. Viraj Shah
From the information you are providing, it is clear that you have got infection in the finger in the area that has been exposed due to broken nail.
The pus inside causes pressure in the skin causing throbbing pain and the pain got relieved as the pus got out from the infection area.
The pus is drained, but not the infection. That is why the area is smelling. You need to take some antibiotics to get rid of this infection. If you are not allergic to Penicillin group of medicines, you can take Amoxicillin (Mox) 500 mg 2 times a day for 5 days. Do not cover the area with anything but do take care that the area is not exposed to dirt, soap or detergents. You can keep it clean with Dettol or Sevlon and cazn apply Soframycin Gel over it.
If you are feeling pain, you can take Paracetamol (Crocin) 500 mg as and when you need it.
In case you do not feel better in 2-3 days, you might need to go to a physician for physical examination of the area. However, I would advise you to leave the habit of nail biting if possible, as this situation can arise repeatedly with that habit.
I hope this information helps. Thank you for choosing HealthCareMagic. I wish you feel better soon.
Best,
Dr. Viraj Shah
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