red, swollen finger tip in 5 y/o

[123abcs]

Hi, my 5 y/o son has an infected fingertip.  I can not see any pus, but it is red and swollen all around the nail and down to the top knuckle.  He has had this before, but I have been able to find something to drain in the past.  One time it was on his toe, and we had to go to the clinic to have it drained.  My question is, how long can I leave this without being seen?  What can the doctor do if there is nothing visible to drain?

[123abcs]

Thanks, it seems to be looking better now - I've been soaking it in salt water,and using an otc antibiotic cream and bandaid and now there is a pus pocket - if I could convince him to let me drain it - it is not as red now though.  But thanks!!

[margypops]

It sounds like a witlow I think it would be good to see the Doctor as I think he'll need an anti biotic to clear it , you could try the anti biotic creams from the drugstore OTC and put a band aid over it ,my son had one he lost his finger nail and it didnt grow back ,so best to get it treated asap .