Whitlow is usually a small area of your skin near the fingernail/toenail that is pus-filled, red and inflamed. It is and infection caused by the herpes simplex virus.
However, there is no need to panic. The first thing you need to do is to make sure that the Whitlow is only a localized infection. That occurs when this virus no matter type 1 i.e. HPV-1 or type 2 i.e. HPV 2 comes in contact with a skin that is broken adjacent to your fingernail/toenail.
Then an abscess forms and fills with pus and it is usually inflamed and red. In addition, it can be itchy and painful. In 2 to 3 weeks the problem usually goes away even without medical intervention.
But there is a possibility for the infection to get worse which can result in lymph nodes that are swollen and fever. In case this happens, you need to see your doctor immediately.
However if it not that bad, you can consider some home remedies that can help you to solve your problem.
Here are 5 Home Remedies:
1. Immune-Boosters
An immune system – strengthener is the vitamin C. Make sure to eat foods that have this nutrient.
A whitlow is a form of infection, and if you have an immune system that is bolstered, that can help you a lot.
Consider foods like dark leafy vegetables, citrus, red bell peppers and tropical fruits.
2. Warm Water
This a very simple home remedy. In order for the whitlow to heal faster, you can simply soak your affected fingertip/toenail for few minutes in warm water.
The procedure is very simple. Take a small bowl and put warm water inside. Add liquid anti-bacterial soap inside but only a little and then soak your affected area for around 10 minutes.
You can do this few times on daily basis. And in that way, you will attain relief from the itchiness, pain, and inflammation.
3. Lemon
The lemon has a high amount of vitamin C. This vitamin can help you keep the inflammation steady and can prevent the infection to get worse. With this, the process of healing will be faster.
All you need is one lemon. The size of the lemon does not matter. You need to take the lemon and cut it in half. Use the one-half to put your finger/toe on the flesh.
Leave it like that from 10 to 15 minutes. You can use the other half later.
4. Rice Flour Paste
For this home remedy, you will need linseed oil and rice flour paste.
The paste can make the abscess to erupt and cause the pus to drain within, and with that, the lifespan of the infection will be shorter.
Before going to sleep, you can apply the paste on your finger/toe. Remember to cover it but loosely with and an adhesive bandage. In the morning carefully rinse the paste.
5. Tea Tree Oil
This oil is very effective when it comes to killing viruses. Put a drop of tea tree oil on your finger/toe and its affected area and leave it like that.
You do not need to wash it off. Do this from 7 to 10 times every day. You can do that until you start to notice results.
Note: In case your whitlow is getting worse or if very painful, you need to consult your doctor.