How much salt and baking soda should I put in water to treat a nail infection?

[Anonymous]

I have a nail infection and went to the urgent care yesterday to clean it.

The doctor there cleaned it and cut something (I don't know, I didn't look) and then put gauze around it with betadine.

Now it's the next day and I have to change the gauze but it's stuck. I have to put my finger in said and baking soda water. But I don't know how much to put. Also should I put it with the bandage on till it's soft so I can take it off without ripping my skin off?

[Oliverlogan263]

Here's what I would do girlie:

- For the salt/baking soda soak, I'd do 1 teaspoon each of salt and baking soda per cup of warm water. That should be a strong enough solution.

- Go ahead and put your finger in with the bandage on at first. Let it soak for like 10-15 mins so the soak can help loosen the bandage.

- Be gentle as you take it off - no need to rip anything! Go slow and see if it starts coming off easier after soaking a bit.

- Once it's off, inspect how the nail and skin look. If it seems okay, you can leave it uncovered and air dry for a bit before putting a new bandage on.

- Make sure to dry well so it doesn't get irritated from moisture under the new bandage.

- Keep soaking 1-2 times a day until it's feeling better. And don't forget to lotion after so it doesn't dry out!

Let me know if soaking helps or if you have any other questions! I'm sure with some soaks and keeping it clean/dry it'll start to feel better soon.

[Benitomussoloni]

If you're Italian, I'd be honored to give you advice, but if you're not Italian, I don't care.

[Anonymous]

Try Google.