What Causes Finger Swelling, Pain And Cold?

Posted on Tue, 17 Nov 2015

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

Tue, 17 Nov 2015 Answered on

Mon, 7 Dec 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : this morning before I started any outdoor work I noticed my left small finger had lost feeling, was cold and pale,, later it started turning very red and had moderate swelling, not any pain or injury, acouple hours ago it was very hot,red and inflamed, now not as red, and about half the swelling.. seems to be getting better but cause for concern.. thx..

Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (33 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Most probably an insect bite.

Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your information.

To recapitulate: Male/65 - started outdoor work in the morning - noticed a problem with left small finger - started as lost feeling, cold and pale - turned into red, swollen, hot and inflamed - now not as red and swelling reduced to half - getting better but a cause for concern.

Your history is suggestive of an insect bite as per the chronology you have put-in so well.

I would advise you to take an antihistamine and if required oral steroids too.
Keep under observation and if possible consult your Doctor to get a a proper diagnosis and prescription based treatment if felt necessary by your Doctor. This also help to confirm or rule out a specific cause.

I hope this answer helps you for an early and proper diagnosis and treatment.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D