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What Do Small Black Bumps On The Fingers Indicate?

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Posted on Fri, 11 Sep 2015
Question: I have small hard bumps near the fingernail joint on three fingers but the one on the right pinkie used to have a small raised white circle in the centre. Then it changed colour to almost black, secreted clear fluid say once every three weeks for 3 months, now the whole finger has swelled to double normal size, with a constant stinging sensation. What might it be? thanks XXXXXXX

since the little finger first swelled up 15 days ago some yellow puss has come out, bloodied or much clearer, although it doesn't lead to an improvement and there's now 2 red flesh type swellings around the joint near the finger nail where the black circle used to be. An xray has revealed infection has also gone somewhat to the bone and joint.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Saddiq Ulabidin (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
finger infection reaching to the bones

Detailed Answer:
Hi!

Welcome to health care magic!

I am Dr. Saddiq Ul Abidin. I have read your problem in detail and will try to help you in best way possible.

First of all it is sad to know about the issues you have been facing lately. Having said that, it is equally sad that you let the infection spread this much before seeking medical advice. It would have been more helpful if you had shared the picture of the lesion.

Based in the history and details you shared, it appears to be cellulitis or abscess which is now involving bone and can lead to osteomyelitis if left unchecked.

There are so many alarming signs in your history, that you need to seek combined help of orthopedician, a surgeon and a dermatologist, as it may need incision and drainage and long term antibiotic cover like penicillins or cephalosporins. The drainage of puss will significantly decrease the debris and will let antibiotics work efficiently and will aid to the bodies defense mechanisms. Careful examination to exclude a very promplty spreading condition called necrotising fascitis.

Using anti inflammatory medicines will help for symptomatic relief. Wishing you a speedy recovery.

Hope this has answered your query, if you have any more questions, feel free to ask. kindly rate me before closing, and leave your feedback if possible.

Regards,
Dr. Saddiq Ul abidin.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Saddiq Ulabidin (10 hours later)
Thanks very much for your reply Dr Ulabidin. Your reply confirms my latest medical advice as being totally correct. I first visited doctors about 11 August 15, but you see up until yesterday I was diagnosed as having either Paronycia or Sweets syndrome by two different doctors, even though I told them about the wart like thing on my pinkie joint for the preceding months. I was always sure it was connected with the present large abscess and bone infection which was diagnosed at QEII hospital in Brisbane yesterday. The doctors there said it's probably a very serious infection stemming from the wart. They drained pus from the abcess and put me on Flucloxaciilan 500mg for 6 days. Due to the early on I guess, misdiagnosis by two doctors (it all confused me) your views appear spot on, totally confirming what the doctors at QE11 Hospital said to me. I have the abcess bandaged now, it's not pretty, just two red raised loose (small flowery) fleshy swellings. Thanks forever in a small way for giving a perfect diagnosis which heartened me.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Saddiq Ulabidin (10 hours later)
Brief Answer:
closing remarks

Detailed Answer:
Thanks alot for such nice words. I am feeling humbled by that.

The antibiotic you mentioned is one from penicillin group, and hopefully will prove sufficient for your case. Meanwhile drainage and pressure bandage n dressing is also going to help. In worst case, if it progresses, you might be needed to be kept indoor for Injectable antibiotics and regular dressing after drainage but hopeful things will nt go to that verge.

The culture swabs from the wound are also going to be helpful in determining exact organism responsible and the most appropriate antibiotic it is sensitive to. You may be needed to readjust the antibiotic after culture report.

Hoping you a speedy recovery. You can reach me through my profile in direct questions for future, but hopefully you won't need to. Have a healthy life and take cares. Last but not the least, leave a review and rate me generously if you can spare sometime as it will be a source of encouragement. Regards.
Note: For further inquiries on surgery procedure and its risks or complications book an appointment now

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Saddiq Ulabidin

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2011

Answered : 3941 Questions

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What Do Small Black Bumps On The Fingers Indicate?

Brief Answer: finger infection reaching to the bones Detailed Answer: Hi! Welcome to health care magic! I am Dr. Saddiq Ul Abidin. I have read your problem in detail and will try to help you in best way possible. First of all it is sad to know about the issues you have been facing lately. Having said that, it is equally sad that you let the infection spread this much before seeking medical advice. It would have been more helpful if you had shared the picture of the lesion. Based in the history and details you shared, it appears to be cellulitis or abscess which is now involving bone and can lead to osteomyelitis if left unchecked. There are so many alarming signs in your history, that you need to seek combined help of orthopedician, a surgeon and a dermatologist, as it may need incision and drainage and long term antibiotic cover like penicillins or cephalosporins. The drainage of puss will significantly decrease the debris and will let antibiotics work efficiently and will aid to the bodies defense mechanisms. Careful examination to exclude a very promplty spreading condition called necrotising fascitis. Using anti inflammatory medicines will help for symptomatic relief. Wishing you a speedy recovery. Hope this has answered your query, if you have any more questions, feel free to ask. kindly rate me before closing, and leave your feedback if possible. Regards, Dr. Saddiq Ul abidin.