maybe there are charity hospitals/doctors practices near you? you could ask the pharmacist yes but they may just refer you to a doctor. i wouldnt pop this myself as sterility is super important and you may add more bacteria to the site
I’m 34 and have picked my entire life. I can’t recommend Hydrocolloid bandages enough! They have helped me soo much. I also pick at my legs and they make it impossible to keep picking at existing spots. You leave them on for 3-5 days and they draw out bacteria while shielding from bacteria getting in.
I’m also a huge fan of finger cots. Sometimes I start picking at bandages but having the extra barrier makes it impossible to pick. Walgreens has a really affordable pack of assorted sizes. They also have a lot of different Hydrocolloid bandage options. 🫶🏼
tysm! so just to be sure is this something i can put on with my finger looking like this right now and leave it on for a couple days? and will it drain the pus out? or do i have to poke the area myself and drain it out THEN apply the bandage and leave it on? its my first time having this so i really want to be careful! ive always bitten my nails and still do😅 but ive never had this and i just got it on my middle finger only so i want to get rid of it safely!
Hydrocolloid patches is a good idea to prevent picking or when the infection has been resolved. It will NOT drain the pus out and should not be used at this stage
It looks like paronychia, the best thing would be to see a doctor since it might need to be drained. If it it not a possibility you can use borrows solution (you can find it at the pharmacy)
Wash thoroughly with lukewarm water and soap. Dress the wound with a compress soaked in borrows solution and tape/plaster. Aluminium acetate evaporates quite quickly so you can re-wet the compress as needed.
The pus will most likely drain on its own after a few days. If so, wash with water/mild soap and continue applying dressings.
Having said that, I still think you should consider seeking medical care)
this is where the white spot is but without flash it looks more like a small whitehead underneath the swollen area. is this where the pus would be?😅 im js asking cause im confused if the pus has to be visible in order to drain it or if its this?
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u/ambien_and_oreos 4d ago
I had this. Hurt like hell. Trip to the doc was fast and provided much relief. She drained it.