Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

finger infection

My knuckle and fingertip swelled up, turned red, and was warm about 2.5 wks ago, just sore on the inner knuckle, could not find any insect bites, no injury, no hang nail.  Swelling went down after several days, then it came back with a vengence with severe swelling and lots of pain but this time only in the fingertip.  The pressure was so intense that I tried to drain it, I know I shouldn't have.  Nothing would come out.  The pain was extreme and I did hot salt water soaks several times a day which was worse than any pain I have ever experienced!  The tip is now a deep purple with the side almost appearing grayish and while it does not hurt as bad it is numb.  I get my health care from the Indians and it takes a while to get in, is this something that I should be highly concerned about or am I going to be okay with it taking a few days to be seen by the dr?
4 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
Thank you to all the replies.  Got into the dr, it was an infection, first round of anitbiotics did not help, so they determined it was a resistant strain of staph infection.  2nd round helped, finger is just a little swollen now and only slightly purple.  
Helpful - 0
351246 tn?1379682132
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi
Welcome to the MedHelp forum!
Please consult a doctor immediately. You probably have an infection and the blood supply has got reduced causing bluish black area (which can also be due to blood accumulation after your attempt to drain).
You will need antibiotic cover and anti inflammatory and proper dressing of the wound. Take care!
Helpful - 0
1542096 tn?1293162924
Get into Dr as soon as possible, but you could soak in teatree oil until you see your doctor and or apply a triple antiobiotic ointment as well  though you need to see your doctor.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I have a friend in Virginia who had the exact trouble in the knuckle of her middle finger. She did'nt cut it open, but she soaked it in warm salt water, advice she'd gotten from an elderly woman at her church. After she soaked it the pain became unbearable & she went to her Dr. His diagnosis was Gout. He performed outpatient surgery to remove the infection. She's fine now, but she had a rough time of it. She's 82 years old.
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Undiagnosed Symptoms Community

Top General Health Answerers
363281 tn?1643235611
Nelson, New Zealand
1756321 tn?1547095325
Queensland, Australia
19694731 tn?1482849837
AL
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Discharge often isn't normal, and could mean an infection or an STD.
In this unique and fascinating report from Missouri Medicine, world-renowned expert Dr. Raymond Moody examines what really happens when we almost die.
Think a loved one may be experiencing hearing loss? Here are five warning signs to watch for.
When it comes to your health, timing is everything
We’ve got a crash course on metabolism basics.
Learn what you can do to avoid ski injury and other common winter sports injury.