Skin condition?

I have a swelling around my cuticle that is full of puss and runs constantly and itches. I have been trying to stop it with different methods that do not work. Just about the time it looks to be healing, it starts back up. It has spread on my finger, and I have kept a bandaid on it to keep the skin from cracking or hurting and so others cannot see it, because it's nasty looking. The puss is clear. How can I treat this? What is it?
thanks

[FurballsMom]

Have it looked at.  This infection needs to be treated properly and most likely with antibiotics.

That said, until you can see the doctor, but not in place of, soak the affected hand in undiluted white vinegar for half and hour to 45 minutes twice a day.  Follow up with washing your hands with a gentle soap to remove the vinegar.  Follow that with a good quality heavy duty non irritating skin cream, because the vinegar will definitely dry out your skin.  Don't use things with heavy fragrances, and the soap should be gentle and not the antibacterial soap, because the vinegar is already drying out the skin so you don't want to add to that with the harsh and irritating antibacterial soap.  The less in the way of added fragrances, too, then the less added irritants for the skin.

This is something I have experienced.  The vinegar treatment will help if getting to a doctor is delayed by waiting for the appointment.  It is not something that you can do instead of seeing the doctor, though, because you don't want the infection to spread.