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Suggest Treatment For Itching And Swelling On The Fingers

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Posted on Mon, 21 Sep 2015
Twitter Mon, 21 Sep 2015 Answered on
Twitter 10 minutes ago Last reviewed on
Question : A red thing from the Bromeliad plant got into my finger and was absorbed, as a result it is extremely itchy, swollen, and there are a number of tiny bumps. I've put an assortment of medications on it, in hopes of it not spreading anymore. What kind of doctor would I see for this?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shoaib Khan (5 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Allergist or general physician or immunologist

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome.

Thank you for writing to us.

I have gone through your query and the best doctor to see would be an allergic specialist or a general physician.

I would recommend to start anti-histamine medications and look for any possible remnants from the part of the plant that got into you. From there on either removal of any residual matter from your system and continuation of medications that can suppress the allergy symptoms.

Please feel free to write back to me for any further clarifications.

Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Follow up: Dr. Shoaib Khan (9 hours later)
If I could see residual matter, I would have attempted to remove it, as one would remove a splinter. The bumps tells me there is growth, and my greatest concern is it getting into my "system." I have been able to "control" the itchiness, which comes and goes, and I would rather not ingest something such as an antihistamine. I do not believe I mentioned having used vinegar. I had not mentioned, prior to my use of anything topical, I have a thin layer of dead skin near the entry point, which is not now visible (I saw the red thing, so I know the entry place). My finger is quite calm now, no soreness nor itchiness. I am new to this area, and do not know the doctors, that is why I took this route for advice. I also am quite curious as to what it is all about, never having experienced such. I do have occasion to visit the area where I previously lived, and know well a number of physicians. With your response to me, I did not get a sense of urgency. If another flare up occurs, I will visit a doctor in that locale, for I find it difficult to locate physicians locally, without having to join a "group." With your response, I did not get a sense of urgency.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shoaib Khan (14 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Not urgent, but will require treatment

Detailed Answer:
Hello once again ma'am.

Any foreign body into the human body can result in a reaction either allergic (due to the foreign body itself) or possibly an infection resulting from the foreign body not being sterile.

So the first step would be to apply a topical antibiotic like Neosporin to prevent an infection and initiate anti-histamines. As you do not wish to take anti-histamines (which are actually harmless ma'am), then you could go about cleaning the region, applying Neosporin and apply a sterile dressing for 2-3 days (changing the dressing everyday). Incase symptoms persist kindly get it examined by a doctor.

Kindly reach out incase of further concerns.

Best wishes.
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Shoaib Khan

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 9409 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Itching And Swelling On The Fingers

Brief Answer: Allergist or general physician or immunologist Detailed Answer: Hello and welcome. Thank you for writing to us. I have gone through your query and the best doctor to see would be an allergic specialist or a general physician. I would recommend to start anti-histamine medications and look for any possible remnants from the part of the plant that got into you. From there on either removal of any residual matter from your system and continuation of medications that can suppress the allergy symptoms. Please feel free to write back to me for any further clarifications. Regards