Hi, My Left Thumb Is Swollen, Red, And Hot. It's

Posted on Mon, 22 Oct 2018

Question: Hi,
My left thumb is swollen, red, and hot. It's painful as well. This started Sunday evening, out of nowhere. I started using a triple antibiotic cream on the thumb Monday making sure I get it in and around the nail. It is still painful, red and hot. Should I use an oral antibiotic as well? Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Nada

Answered by Dr. Remy Koshy (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Paronychia

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to "Ask A Doctor"

I have gone through your query and the attached images,

You seem to have a paronychia, causing these symptoms. The infection seems to have spread a little deep to the spaces in your thumb, thereby leading to swollen thumb.

I would suggest you to consult with your family physician or ER doctor. Your doctor after proper examination may decide to drain the infection or may just give you oral antibiotics for the time being and then made decide on the drainage during the follow up. At this point, there will not be much use with topical antibiotic.

I hope this helps,
Please feel free to discuss further,

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy