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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How Can A Digit Swelling Caused By Trauma Be Treated?

I was cutting vines behind house today. One dead vine had thorns in it about 4 inches apart. One thorn went into my finger and broke. I pulled the piece out that was sticking out of the skin. It went deep enough to bleed. 2 hours later swelling started. Checked the spot with high light and a magnifying glass. Appears all is out but the swelling persists. Is not hot but is swelling. Swelling affects the joint above and below the puncture site right now. I saved a piece of this vine if a doctor needs to see it. Should I wait overnight to see about the swelling? Ice pack and Neosporin no help as of yet...
Thu, 16 Apr 2015
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Orthopaedic Surgeon,  's  Response
Hi
Normally the part of the thorn that remains inside acts as a foreign body and causes reaction. Now first you need antibiotics to treat or contain infection. Second thing if its contained it will form a granuloma and will need surgical removal. If it infected it may either absorb or come out with pus which is the natures way.
I would recommend you to have it removed.
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How Can A Digit Swelling Caused By Trauma Be Treated?

Hi Normally the part of the thorn that remains inside acts as a foreign body and causes reaction. Now first you need antibiotics to treat or contain infection. Second thing if its contained it will form a granuloma and will need surgical removal. If it infected it may either absorb or come out with pus which is the natures way. I would recommend you to have it removed.