HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

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
Report Abuse
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.
I find this answer helpful

 1 user finds this helpful


Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
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.