Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Hand Swollen And Thumb Very Very Touchy And The Skin
Posted on
Mon, 18 Mar 2019
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Mon, 18 Mar 2019
Answered on
Last reviewed on
Question : hand swollen and thumb very very touchy and the skin is warm. Nothing done to cause this. Thumb got sore to move and touch then it started swelling. All of the knuckles and the back of he hand. Just the thumb is very sore. The hand is puffed up pretty good
Brief Answer:
Gout might be the reason but ruling out cellulitis is very important
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
The pain, local heat and swelling of the hand and the thumb might be due to gout but it is very important that infection (cellulitis) is rule out first.
You may continue Ibuprofen for pain (600 mg every 6 hours after food) and also you may use local cold compresses to help reduce inflammation but seeing a doctor as soon as possible to rule out cellulitis is advisable.
If the redness spreads further or you develop fever then the chance of having cellulitis is higher and you will need to urgently see your doctor.
If cellulitis is the likely cause of your symptoms you will need antibiotics to fight the infection other then ibuprofen and local cold compresses. Cellulitis is a skin infection that can spread very quick and starting antibiotics early is very important.
Local insect bite can also be another possible diagnosis but in these cases most of the time no specific treatment is needed other than local cold compresses.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj,
General & Family Physician
Gout might be the reason but ruling out cellulitis is very important
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
The pain, local heat and swelling of the hand and the thumb might be due to gout but it is very important that infection (cellulitis) is rule out first.
You may continue Ibuprofen for pain (600 mg every 6 hours after food) and also you may use local cold compresses to help reduce inflammation but seeing a doctor as soon as possible to rule out cellulitis is advisable.
If the redness spreads further or you develop fever then the chance of having cellulitis is higher and you will need to urgently see your doctor.
If cellulitis is the likely cause of your symptoms you will need antibiotics to fight the infection other then ibuprofen and local cold compresses. Cellulitis is a skin infection that can spread very quick and starting antibiotics early is very important.
Local insect bite can also be another possible diagnosis but in these cases most of the time no specific treatment is needed other than local cold compresses.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj,
General & Family Physician
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
thank you
Brief Answer:
It is a pleasure to be able to help you
Detailed Answer:
It is a pleasure.
Please feel free to let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj,
General & Family Physician
It is a pleasure to be able to help you
Detailed Answer:
It is a pleasure.
Please feel free to let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj,
General & Family Physician
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
