I think my nail is infected.

[PuddyMuddles82]

I had my nails done at weekend, just biab so my own nails painted with like a hard varnish. Since then one of my fingers is really sore, it’s red and swollen and has a pulsing sensation. Im going to ask for them to be removed tomorrow, does it look infected.

Is that yellow puss at the base of the nail meeting the cuticle? If so, then definitely infected. You could try soaking it in very hot water to see if it will burst or (as advised by a doctor) burst it yourself and then put antiseptic cream on, a plaster and monitor. If it gets any worse after 24 hrs, GP.

Also, I would be reluctant to remove it until the infection is sorted.

Yes it looks like yellow pus, it’s really painful, currenty have it wrapped in a hot flannel and then try to burst. Thank you for replying

Yes it does, my son used to get this a lot as he's a nail biter. Soaking them in hot water always helped see of the infection.

What works for me after hot salty water, is running an orange stick or cocktail stick around the cuticle, pushing it back and lifting a little, to see if it releases the pus.

I had gel nails for years with zero problems. Then none since pandemic. I decided to treat myself pre Xmas and just had gel Polish on, same happened to me, so painful it swelled between knuckle and nail bed a definite infection that took a few weeks to clear. It distorted my nail partly separating from my finger and as the nail grew back it was damaged. It has just gone back to normal about 2 weeks ago. Never again
I personally think it was caused by unprofessional work or unclean equipment or both. I hope yours sorts itself out soon.🙂

If it doesn’t burst naturally you can burst it yourself with a pin. Then wash it and put antiseptic cream on liberally and hopefully that will sort it out. If any redness, red lines from it or further pain ensures, seek doctors advice.

Thanks for advice. I soaked in hot water and used a pin and squeezed some green pus out 🤢 the pain has eased slightly but still very red