I Injured My Thumb On The Left Hand, Left Side

Posted on Sun, 3 May 2020

Question: I injured my thumb on the left hand, left side of the cuticle , it got clipped when pressing on a metal thing that slipped and slammed my finger, it made a ragged gash that bled a lot and took a week to close up, and a very sore bruise below the cut. Here's the problem ; it took at least a week or longer for the cut part to even close and start to heal, now it is still so sore to the touch at the lower part which is like a round red lump that hurts bad. I think it's got something in there or that it may just be infected. I haven't gone to a dr. or ER or urgent care because I don't want to add to any exposures with this virus. My daughter says that any infection in a finger is serious and should be taken care of straight away, as she has experienced this with her son who needed to be hospitalized and put on IV antibiotics because of an infected finger. Tell me what to do. please

Answered by Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (27 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
hematoma or cellulitis most likely needs antibiotics, anti inflammatory med

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to Ask A Doctor services.
I have read your query and here is my advise.

* The possibility of post traumatic hematoma or cellulitis ( from secondary
infection ) is most likely at the injured thumb region ; because it is still
sore to touch with red lump hurting.

My guidelines at present

- local application of ice 5 minutes each 3 times a day
- avoid weight lifting or strenuous work with that hand till possible
- get prescription of antibiotics and anti inflammatory medicines from your
doc to prevent further spread of infection and control the underlying
inflammation
( so far as threat of exposure to COVID 19 is concerned, you should take
due precautions while approaching your doc as per the standard guidelines
of WHO to protect yourself )

Hope this information will help you.
Do feel free to discuss further regarding the issue.

Wish you best recovery.
Regards.
Dr Bhagyesh ( MS consultant surgeon )

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (21 hours later)

Thank you for that information. I did this, I applied black salve or ichthammol ointment, as it's called, or draw out salve, smells like tar. So I wrapped it, and reapplied it a few times. I must tell you, I am amazed at the difference today. It is not sore to the touch at all, the lump went down and it isn't red anymore. Please tell me what the heck that's all about, what is in that stuff to cause this result? I should have done this a week ago, but I just never think to use that ointment for anything except boils.

Answered by Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (10 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
follow up.

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for the follow up.

* The Ichthammol ointment, commonly known as black ointment used as a
home remedy in variety of cellulitis, boil and other cases.

* It contains sulfonated shale oil, lanolin and petroleum which combination
work as anti inflammatory resolution agents via its multiple actions.

Continue its use for a couple of days with care of hygiene point and do follow up after that for follow up results.

Have a great day.
Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (50 minutes later)

Thanks so much for that information about the properties of ichtammol ointment. So now that I'm aware that I have something so amazing in my "arsenal" what can I use it for?

Answered by Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
follow up.

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome for follow up.

* The Ichthammol ointment is used as home remedy in conditions of boil,
minor skin cuts, infection or inflammation of skin or subcutaneous tissue.

Wish you best recovery.
Thanks.

Note: For further inquiries on surgery procedure and its risks or complications book an appointment now

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D