I used Americaine ointment (20% benzocaine) on my nail bed.

I also used triple antibiotic ointment. I applied them every other time when I cleaned it (which was not fun and pretty painful--but the Americaine helped). You might have to special order Americaine, as it is not commonly on shelves. Or get an RX for lidocaine jelly.

Studies show wounds heal faster when covered. There are even new bandages designed for this.
example:
http://www.medshopexpress.com/121453.html#

This type is also nice:
http://www.walgreens.com/store/catal..._sku=sku392264

but must be applied to clean areas.

Here is an example of why covering wounds is better:
http://www.squidoo.com/heal-open-wounds-faster

I kept mine covered for over a week!

Put the S pole of the magnet at the base of the thumb where that slight depression is at the wrist before the carpal ligament. That is where the nerve is.