Should I cover it or leave it open?!
Question: Should I cover it or leave it open?
I've got an infected hang nail which a load of puss came out of last night - i cleaned it up and kept pressing to drain it until only blood came out, then cleaned it, put antiseptic cream on it and a plaster to stop dirt getting into it - but this morning it looks really bad. One bit of skin has turned a yellowish colour and gone really squishy (it looks like puss but its actually skin) and its oozing and sore - i'm not sure whether i should cover it back up, or leave it open to crust over. Sorry its a bit gross but i don't really want to go see a doctor for something as minor as a hang nail - so any advice is appreciated :)
Answers:
If it's an infection that's oozing and pussing up, it's not something minor and you should definitely see a doctor about it in case it gets any worse. For now, if it's like an open wound, you should cover it up, but lightly, so that it can breathe. If it has some skin that's formed over it (or a scab) you can let it air out without covering. Again, I encourage you to see an doctor.'
it's still infected, go to the docor before you get gangreen (not sure if spelling right but hopefully you understand.