What Causes Swelling And Redness On The Fingers Post Cellulitis Treatment?

Posted on Sat, 3 Dec 2016

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

Sat, 3 Dec 2016 Answered on

Sat, 24 Dec 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I was diagnosed with Cellulitus about 3 weeks ago when I discovered a swollen red area on my mid section. I was treated with IV & oral antibiotics. Yesterday, the inside area of one of my pinkie fingers started to slowly get swollen & pink & warm & itchy. which is exactly how it occurred on my mid section. Is it possible for this infection to be reoccurring in unusual places like my finger?

Answered by Dr. Indranil Ghosh (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Yes this maybe another infection

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for your query.

The description given by you matches that of an infection. Whether this is related to the previous one is difficult to say. This can be a different one also.

Are you diabetic? Because that can predispose to such repeated infections.

Anyway, now I suggest to get yourself examined by a doctor and start antibiotics if this looks like infection.

Hope this helps.
Regards

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

Follow up: Dr. Indranil Ghosh (1 hour later)

I agree, I do believe this is an infection. My question was, does Cellulitis intermittently move to various areas, such as my pinky?

Answered by Dr. Indranil Ghosh (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
possibility is there

Detailed Answer:
I would not say cellulitis moves. But a possibility always remains that the bacteria causing cellulitis at one region can move through bloodstream and affect any other area where the condition is favorable for growth of bacteria. Pinky finger is an unusual site for that but still possible.

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