Finger/Fingernail Infection?!
Question: Finger/Fingernail Infection.?
My 15yr old came home from school today telling me her index finger on her left hand was very sore. On the inside part. She said it was very hot at school, and it's a little swolen and red. It's quite touchy too. There is sort of like a crease/cut on the side of her nail, that appears to be the enterance of it.?
I hope that made sense.
What should i be doing.?Health Question & Answer
I hope that made sense.
What should i be doing.?Health Question & Answer
Answers:
From what you described, her finger is slightly swollen, reddish, tender to touch, and feels warm to touch. Look out for red streaks radiating from the skin break/wound. This is a sign of worsening cellulitis and you will have to take her into the doctor's for antibiotics for sure.
Without actually taking a look at it, it sounds like cellulitis (infection of the tissues). It also sounds like it just happened in the past 1 to 2 days. I would:
1. Draw a line at the edges where the swelling stops.
2. Place a warm compress (warm washcloth ) on the finger for 15 minutes every hour.
3. Observe her for 24 hours and see where the swelling has progressed to. If the swelling recedes away from the line, then it is improving. If the swelling has passed the line (sometimes this takes just hours), then the swelling is worsening and the infection is progressing.
If the swelling and redness improves by tomorrow, then just keep her finger clean, apply neosporin, and keep applying the warm compresses. Assuming that she has no allergies, give her Motrin 400 mg (average dose) - 600 if she is a bigger girl - every 6 hours for the pain and swelling.
If the swelling progresses, get into the your doctor's office that same day. Try to go to Urgent care or same day appointment, as she will need antibiotics as soon as possible. If you can't get into your doctor's clinic, it is acceptable to go to the ER. You might wait a while because she will not be a life threatening case, but it is urgent that she get antibiotics.
Hope this helpes.Health Question & Answer
Without actually taking a look at it, it sounds like cellulitis (infection of the tissues). It also sounds like it just happened in the past 1 to 2 days. I would:
1. Draw a line at the edges where the swelling stops.
2. Place a warm compress (warm washcloth ) on the finger for 15 minutes every hour.
3. Observe her for 24 hours and see where the swelling has progressed to. If the swelling recedes away from the line, then it is improving. If the swelling has passed the line (sometimes this takes just hours), then the swelling is worsening and the infection is progressing.
If the swelling and redness improves by tomorrow, then just keep her finger clean, apply neosporin, and keep applying the warm compresses. Assuming that she has no allergies, give her Motrin 400 mg (average dose) - 600 if she is a bigger girl - every 6 hours for the pain and swelling.
If the swelling progresses, get into the your doctor's office that same day. Try to go to Urgent care or same day appointment, as she will need antibiotics as soon as possible. If you can't get into your doctor's clinic, it is acceptable to go to the ER. You might wait a while because she will not be a life threatening case, but it is urgent that she get antibiotics.
Hope this helpes.Health Question & Answer