Does Discoloration Of The Pinky Finger With Blisters Require Consultation While On Antibiotic?

Posted on Wed, 20 Sep 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 20 Sep 2017 Answered on

Mon, 9 Oct 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : My pinky finger is becoming seriously discolored, should I be concerned? I had a small cut which developed blisters. My doctor has me on an oral antibiotic since Saturday, but it wasn't this bad when I saw him.

Answered by Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Still presence of infection underlying .

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear

Warm welcome to Healthcaremagic.com
I have evaluated your query thoroughly with attached photograph of the finger .

* There is infection still present giving discoloration .

* Recommendations for better recovery

- High level care in form of proper antiseptic dressing is needed by the doctor .
- If current antibiotic is since 5 days & the condition is not under control , that
means that it is not as effective as it should be on the causative organism .

So , either change of molecule or in some cases minor surgical procedure
called incision & drainage of infection may be required .

Can guide further with following details .

1. Is there throbbing pain , fever .
2. Details about finger movements .
3. Presence of any systemic issue as diabetes or else .
4. If possible details of antibiotics taken till now .

Awaiting for your response .
Regards .

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana

Follow up: Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (2 hours later)

There is no throbbing pain. Areas of the finger are numb and it feels at times very warm to the touch. I am not diabetic nor have any other serious conditions. I have been on Amoxicillin-Clav 875/125 mg since Sunday. I'm supposed to see my doctor on Thursday for a follow up but am concerned that this could be something serious like gangrene setting in.

Answered by Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Do not worry for gangrene at present.take following care till thursday.

Detailed Answer:
Hi welcome

Thanks for the details .

* There is infection state at present , not gangrene . Overlying skin changes are
due to inflammation of the area beneath the skin .

* Can wait till Thursday without worry , recommendations for that period

- After cleaning with antiseptic liquid , apply polymycin ointment 3 times a day .
- Continue current medications .
- Addition of ibuprofen ( 400 ) mg 3 times a day after meals will help as
anti inflammatory agent .

Hope this will help you for sure .

Wishing you fine recovery from the same .
Regards .

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana

Follow up: Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (2 hours later)

Thank you so much! I will do as you have directed.

Best Regards

Answered by Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (5 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
welcome dear .

Detailed Answer:
Welcome always .

No thanks please , it is part of our moral responsibility to guide you in our best
possible manner in the needed times .
Regards .

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng