Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes A Small Horseshoe Shaped Sore On Left Index Finger?
Posted on
Wed, 20 May 2015
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Wed, 20 May 2015
Answered on
Tue, 9 Jun 2015
Last reviewed on
Question : Hello,
I have a small horseshoe shaped sore on my left index finger. I have had it for a couple of weeks and it isn't going away. Can you help please?
I have a small horseshoe shaped sore on my left index finger. I have had it for a couple of weeks and it isn't going away. Can you help please?
Brief Answer:
fungal infection or palmar wart
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
There are different types of skin lesions/rashes that can occur.
Best diagnosed by looking at the area so if you can, a picture can be attached.
Since it has been there for a few weeks and it is not resolving, it may either be a fungal infection or a palmar (hand) wart.
If it is itching even slightly then fungal is more likely and the use of a topical antifungal would help, it can take 2 to 3 weeks of application of a topical antifungal for resolution.
If it is a palmar wart then treatment can include: (1)no treatment at all, some persons only monitor, 65% of them regress/get smaller over a 2 yr period
(2)salicylic acid applied once daily has a cure rate of 70 to 80 %. Should be available over the counter
(3)there are also prescription ointments available and treatments that can be done at a doctor's office
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
fungal infection or palmar wart
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
There are different types of skin lesions/rashes that can occur.
Best diagnosed by looking at the area so if you can, a picture can be attached.
Since it has been there for a few weeks and it is not resolving, it may either be a fungal infection or a palmar (hand) wart.
If it is itching even slightly then fungal is more likely and the use of a topical antifungal would help, it can take 2 to 3 weeks of application of a topical antifungal for resolution.
If it is a palmar wart then treatment can include: (1)no treatment at all, some persons only monitor, 65% of them regress/get smaller over a 2 yr period
(2)salicylic acid applied once daily has a cure rate of 70 to 80 %. Should be available over the counter
(3)there are also prescription ointments available and treatments that can be done at a doctor's office
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you for your reply. I thought that maybe it was ringworm as I have been looking after a sick cat for two months, although I have been very careful to clean my hands after touching her litter etc. I did apply Canesten ( an anti-fungal cream often used for thrush ), putting a plaster on top to keep it clean. I did this for about four days. Do you think that if I kept using it for 2/3 weeks, this may work.
Brief Answer:
yes, keep using it
Detailed Answer:
HI
Yes, keep using it. Fungal infections can be slow to respond. Try not to cover it too much because this would make the area hot and fungi like heat and moisture.
Please feel free to ask any other questions
yes, keep using it
Detailed Answer:
HI
Yes, keep using it. Fungal infections can be slow to respond. Try not to cover it too much because this would make the area hot and fungi like heat and moisture.
Please feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
