Treating a Gnarly Infection by Jonah Bussgang

Over the past couple of days, I have been treating a gnarly infection on my right pinky. What started out as a small blister escalated quickly into a disgusting red mass that has resulted in me having to take a day off the water. I don't want anyone to struggle as I have been so I will give some information about how to treat an infection properly.

1. Treat it as early as possible.

If you notice even the slightest bit of redness and tenderness around a cut or blister, clean it! Use soap and water, or Bactine, and then lather that puppy up with polysporine and take a day off the water to let it heal. Keeping it dry is the key!

2. Don't try and lance it unless the mass is right on the surface.

If you try and lace the infection and do not succeed, it will just end up hurting a lot and possible making your infection more swollen. Only lance the infection if you are sure you can reach the mass.

3. If all else fails and the infection continues to grow, seek medical help and get a prescription for oral antibiotics. It helps to tell your Keener Mom as soon as you notice the infection so you can prevent it from getting terrible, awful, no good, very bad, etc.

There comes a point where your own healing is not doing anything beneficial. At this point, you must seek a doctors help put your faith in modern medicine.

Speaking from experience, if you complete these steps and take care of your body, you'll be healthy and stay on the water!