<human>: Hi, I smashed my finger between a wall and a couch on Thursday. My nail is completely black and under my cuticle my finger is red and puffy (perhaps filled with pus). I am worried my finger is infected and would like to know whether I should go to the doctor. I am also thinking of attempting to release the pus myself, but dont want to get my finger more infected. What would you advise?
<bot>: Thanks for contacting ChatDoctorI am sorry to hear that you injured you finger. From your description it sounds like you have a build up of blood under the nail. This build up can cause significant pain and pressure. To help reduce this pressure and pain a doctor can actually poke a small hole in the nail and that relieves the pain. I recommend you seek medical attention, so they can perform that small procedure for you. It is a painless and quick procedure and one that is performed in most primary care offices. Hope I answered your question. Please feel free to contact us again for you medical concerns and questions