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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is Swollen Finger And Palm A Serious Concern Due To Infection Caused By Thorn?

I think I got a thorn in my middle finger 3-4 weeks ago. My finger has swollen to about 1 1/2 times it's size, both joints are now red, the finger tendon on my palm is swollen too. I am 48 hours into my second lot of antibiotics. My doctor said to go to Casualty if finger got worse: now that the second joint is infected, is it time to go to hosp? My finger is also very warm and starting to get itchy.
Mon, 27 Jan 2014
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Infectious Diseases Specialist,  's  Response
Hi,

Welcome to HCM.

I suggest you go to to the casualty and get that finger examined. If it has been more than 2 days since the new antibiotic and no change in symptoms most probably you are not responding to them. If there is any discharge or ooze from the infected finger, I would suggest a swab test for culture and sensitivity to identify the causative pathogen and appropriate antibiotics that are effective against it. Prolonged use of ineffective antibiotics are only going to make the infection even more resistant to treatment.
I would also like to suggest an Xray of the finger to rule out deeper infection.
Thanks.
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Is Swollen Finger And Palm A Serious Concern Due To Infection Caused By Thorn?

Hi, Welcome to HCM. I suggest you go to to the casualty and get that finger examined. If it has been more than 2 days since the new antibiotic and no change in symptoms most probably you are not responding to them. If there is any discharge or ooze from the infected finger, I would suggest a swab test for culture and sensitivity to identify the causative pathogen and appropriate antibiotics that are effective against it. Prolonged use of ineffective antibiotics are only going to make the infection even more resistant to treatment. I would also like to suggest an Xray of the finger to rule out deeper infection. Thanks.