Home Remedy for a Red & Swollen Fingernail

Oftentimes the fingernail itself won't become red and swollen, but rather the skin underneath and around the fingernail is infected, red and swollen. This can sometimes seem like the fingernail is red and swollen, but the fingernail can harbor an infection. It can be irritating, but since the fingernail does not have any feeling, it is more likely that the fingernail is attached to the cause of the problem. When experiencing a nail infection, you may experience a tingling or warm sensation at the site of the infection.

Soaking the Finger

• The easiest and most cost-effective method of treatment for a red and swollen finger is to soak it. This may be the only way to get to the skin underneath the nail clean and disinfected. Infections are often deep underneath a fingernail in a place too difficult to get to. By soaking the fingernail, the infected skin is softened and cleansed. The best remedy for soaking it is to add dish soap to a bowl of warm water so that it becomes sudsy and soapy. Soak the finger for up to 15 minutes three times a day. This can help draw the infection out and is a great remedy for treating an infected finger. It doesn't matter which dish soap you use. They all work equally well, so grab whatever you have sitting around.

Garlic

• If you've ever treated a yeast infection with a home remedy, you've probably used (or at least heard of) garlic. It can also be an effective home treatment for a red and swollen finger. Garlic is a natural antibacterial agent. Eating it will prevent infection by attacking the infection internally. Many infections show inside and out. People feel nauseated and feverish when they have an infection. Even a simple infection can cause a lot of problems internally. On the outside, garlic helps to naturally reduce swelling and inflammation. You can rub raw garlic directly on the infected point. Garlic juice also works well; you can obtain it from a jar of chopped garlic (usually found in the produce section of most grocery stores). Raw garlic is more potent than cooked garlic, but you can consume and use cooked garlic, too.

Honey and Cinnamon

• Mix one tsp. honey (can be warmed) with 1/8 tsp. cinnamon powder for another home remedy. Consume this mixture twice a day to help rid the body of infection. This boosts the immune system by increasing the number of white blood cells the body produces, which helps combat infection. For added protection, sprinkle cinnamon on food throughout the day.