Treating a Nail Infection

Topic Overview

Try home treatment if you think you have an infection in the skin around your nail.

• Soak your foot or hand 2 to 3 times each day in a solution of 1 tsp (5 g) of salt dissolved in 4 cups (1 L) warm water. After soaking, apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, and a bandage.
• Do not try to remove any part of the affected nail.
• Remove an artificial nail if you think you have an infection around or under a nail.