Infection and what to do?!
Question: Infection and what to do!?
I noticed my thumb was sensitive and I thought I had cut it under my nail so I put neosporin on it but then the next morning I had what looked like a small bruise that went a bit under the nail and about a 1/2 inch to the top of the finger with a ring of white around the darker part!. My wife lanced it a bit and some yellow fluid came out of it!. There isn't any red around the area but it is painful and tight so I know it's swollen a bit!. Could this still be a sign of infection and what's the best way to handle this!? Thanks!Www@Answer-Health@Com
Answers:
yes, you have a paronychia -
best advice is to let your family doctor handle this -
you need to have the thumb anesthetized so that he can perform a thorough incision and drainage!. You are not likely to be able to do this at home just because it is far too painful for you to cut deep enough without anesthesia!.
Adequate drainage is all that is needed - if you still have pain, it is because you've been unable to drain it thoroghlyWww@Answer-Health@Com
best advice is to let your family doctor handle this -
you need to have the thumb anesthetized so that he can perform a thorough incision and drainage!. You are not likely to be able to do this at home just because it is far too painful for you to cut deep enough without anesthesia!.
Adequate drainage is all that is needed - if you still have pain, it is because you've been unable to drain it thoroghlyWww@Answer-Health@Com
It's not clear how old it is!. If as recent as a day or two, keep it clean, dry, open and give rest to it, and see how it goes!. Mostly, it should heal in a few days time!. You need to worry only if swelling increases or if there is yellow, 'thick' (purulent) discharge (which is a sign of infection)!. Yellowish (straw colored), 'thin' fluid is not a sign of infection!. Such discharge with pain and some swelling is natural for a wound which are signs of inflammation and not infection!. If infected you may have to take antibiotics (orally)!. Neosporin is not necessary now, but no harm using it!.Www@Answer-Health@Com