Torn skin around the nail can be very painful and may soon develop into an infection. While a skin tear is not really a cause for concern, an infection could be and therefore, needs to be prevented. It is important to clean the area surrounding the torn skin gently with a wound cleanser or a regular saline solution; don't rub the area of skin that has torn. Pat the skin gently with a soft towel or let it air dry for a few minutes. Cover the torn skin with a bandage to keep germs and other harmful microorganisms away from the wound. Clean the wound and change the bandage at regular intervals.
Once the wound gets infected, it is best to get it treated by a doctor immediately. You may need to take a tetanus shot, especially if you haven't had one in five years or more. However, if you are interested in expediting the treatment and alleviating discomfort caused by the infected wound, given below are some home remedies that you may find useful:
- Apply a heating pad or a warm, moist washcloth to the torn skin for around 15 minutes or so. You can use this remedy up to 3 times a day.
- Soak the affected finger in warm water for about 20 minutes, 3 times each day. To enhance the effects of this remedy, mix 2 teaspoons of salt in the water.
- Prepare a paste using fresh turmeric or turmeric powder and apply it on to the affected skin. Leave the paste on for about 15 minutes before wiping it off carefully, with a moist towel.
- Keep the wounded skin moist, even during the night. Before you go to bed wash the area around the torn skin carefully and apply a small amount of petroleum jelly. This seals the moisture in.
- Avoid picking on crusty scabs once they develop. Instead, soak the itchy are in a solution made from one pint of water and a tablespoon of vinegar. This acidic liquid not only kills the bacteria, but also soothes the skin.
answered by M W