Is my thumb infected

[Sokaris]

Hello, a few weeks ago I cut my thumb open, and while the wound has closed, the area around it is red, swollen, and hurts if I put too much pressure on it. I'm just curious about what to do if it is infected. I can't clean it since it's closed, and I don't have insurance so I really don't want to pay $700 if this is something I could fix myself. Any help would be appreciated, thanks.

Here are some pictures:

http://img198.imageshack.us/img198/9666/thumb1ed.jpg

http://img96.imageshack.us/img96/9311/thumb2w.jpg

[Sokaris]

Ok, thanks, I gave it a little poke with a sterilized needle last night, and I didn't see any puss. It just bled for a minute or two before clotting. Perhaps it's just scar tissue?

[Dr J Singh]

Hi,
There’s a possibility of your thumb being infected due to the swelling/redness & pain and will thus suggest you to consult an orthopedic surgeon as might need an incision if there’s a local collection of pus and also need a course of antibiotics for the same. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care.