Even in the absence of pus, irritation, earring pressure, or an early skin infection, mild pain, swelling, and redness can occur following an ear piercing. Avoid touching the region frequently, keep it dry and clean, and use warm or saline water to gently clean it. Avoid switching out your jewellery too quickly and avoid wearing tight or hefty earrings. You should contact a doctor if the swelling, redness, warmth, fever, or discomfort worsens, or if pus appears, as you might require treatment for an infection or inflammation.

Pus in the finger with pain and swelling usually happens because bacteria enter the skin through a small cut, nail biting, hangnail, injury, or repeated friction. The infection may collect around the nail or deeper inside the finger, causing redness, warmth, throbbing pain, and difficulty touching or bending the area. In some people, the swelling becomes tight because pus gets trapped under the skin. Treatment depends on how deep the infection is and whether pus is still collecting. Warm water soaks may help improve drainage and reduce discomfort in milder cases. Doctors may use antibiotics, antiseptic cleaning, pain-relieving medicines, or drainage if the pus pocket becomes larger or very painful. Keeping the finger clean, dry, and protected from further injury usually helps healing. Do not repeatedly squeeze the pus or puncture the skin at home, as this can spread the infection deeper into the finger. Fever, spreading redness, severe swelling, numbness, or inability to move the finger properly should be checked quickly because deeper hand infections may worsen rapidly.

For a swollen, ingrown fingernail, start by soaking your finger in warm water for 15 minutes, 3 to 4 times daily. After drying, apply an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment (like Neosporin or Bacitracin) and cover it with a clean bandage. You can take over-the-counter anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen to help reduce pain and swelling. Avoid digging under the nail or cutting it yourself, as this can worsen the infection. If the swelling increases, you notice pus, spreading redness, or run a fever, please consult a doctor, as you may need prescription oral antibiotics or a minor in-office procedure.