Unusual Infected Opening on Finger
Hi reddit medical community, I'm reaching out about a concerning issue involving my boyfriend (29 years old). He's developed a strange infected opening on his finger that stands out from typical nail problems I found online. This opening is located on the lower joint of his finger and initially resembled a pimple. I attempted to pop it, but nothing substantial came out—just this unusual hole surrounded by some calloused skin that seems infected. He mentioned this issue arose a few days back, but he only brought it to my attention recently, so I’m not sure about its appearance prior to that. He can’t recall how it happened either, although it coincided with our first experience of having “special” lemonade that same night (a different tale altogether). My worries escalated when it appeared to be filled with pus and took on a greenish hue when he first revealed it to me. I tried to take care of it by cleaning the area with rubbing alcohol and spraying hydrogen peroxide on it. In my attempts to treat it like a pimple, I squeezed it, which released a small amount of pus—far less than I would have anticipated based on its initially alarming appearance. Ultimately, I decided to apply some Aquaphor and cover it with a band-aid. Does anyone have any insights into what this could be or suggestions on how to proceed? I appreciate your help! :)
Answers (1)
8/22/2025, 8:11:32 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like your boyfriend has developed a concerning infection on his finger, which could be caused by various factors, including an ingrown hair, a small cut that became infected, or even an ingrown nail. The appearance of pus and the greenish hue are signs of infection, which should be taken seriously.
Explanation
Infections can occur when bacteria enter through small breaks in the skin. The presence of pus suggests that the body is trying to fight off this infection. While it’s good that you’ve attempted to keep the area clean, there are specific steps you should take to help manage this situation effectively, especially since it seems to be worsening.
Next Steps
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Continue Cleaning Gently: Clean the affected area gently with warm water and mild soap to remove any dirt and reduce the risk of further infection. Avoid using rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, as they can irritate the skin further.
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Avoid Squeezing: Do not attempt to pop or squeeze the lesion more, as this can push bacteria deeper into the skin and worsen the infection.
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Apply an Antibiotic Ointment: After cleaning, apply a topical antibiotic ointment (such as Neosporin) to help fight the infection. Cover it loosely with a clean bandage to protect it from further irritation.
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Monitoring Symptoms: Keep an eye on the infection. If it spreads, becomes increasingly painful, develops a fever, or does not start to improve within a couple of days, it will be essential to seek professional medical advice.
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Keep it Dry: While it's important to clean the area, try to keep it dry when not cleaning or applying ointment. Excess moisture can make infections worse.
By following these steps, you can help manage the infection and promote healing. If you see no improvement soon, or if things worsen, professional medical evaluation will be key to determine if stronger treatments (such as oral antibiotics) are necessary. Please keep me updated on how things progress!
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