Suggest Treatment For Swelling In The Finger

Posted on Wed, 15 Jun 2016

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

Wed, 15 Jun 2016 Answered on

Mon, 11 Jul 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : My mom has got swollen finger with pus at the end of the finger tip.
Attached are the snapshots of the effected finger.
This has been there for the last 3 days and to us reasons are unknown.

Please suggest what could be the reason and remedy for the same.

Answered by Dr. Hari Charan Perigela (36 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It is a typical Acute Paronychia .

Detailed Answer:
Hi
I saw the pictures.
It is a typical case of Acute Paronychia.
It might have occurred due to bacterial infection caused by trauma.
Initially, warm compresses and Antibiotic would have been helpful.
As per the pictures, your mom has developed abscess,collection of pus.
At this stage,it has to be drained followed by Oral Antibiotic like Linezolid and Anti inflammatory tablet.
Please consult a General surgeon and.get the pus drained.It can be done under local anaesthesia.
No need for hospitalisation.
Nothing to worry.
Hope I answered your query. If you have any questions, I will clarify further.
Wish her good health and speedy recovery.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Hari Charan Perigela (2 hours later)

Please let me know if anti biotic is enough in this case or it is required to consult surgeon and drained out the accumulated pus.

Answered by Dr. Hari Charan Perigela (14 hours later)

Brief Answer:
The pus has to be drained.

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Sorry for the late reply.
As the pus is accumulated, it has to be drained. Only medicines will not be helpful at this stage.
But,it has to be followed by Antibiotic and Anti inflammatory tablets.
Nothing to worry. It will come down.
Wish her good health.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina