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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Does Swelling In The Left Index Finger Indicate?

Hello. I would much appreciate some help please. I have a swelling in my left index finger which has not subsided over the past 4 days. To the best of my knowledge, I did not burn or injure it; however, I suspect it might be an infection from a deep cut when I trimmed my fingernail. The swelling is restricted to just the metacarpal. It is slightly tender and painful upon contact (I avoid using it as much as possible). There is no discoloration, but it is darker.
Fri, 27 Apr 2018
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General Surgeon,  's  Response
Hello,

As you suspect, in all probability, you have developed inflammation of the left-hand index finger from the soft tissue injury during nail cutting.

Just wanted to know if you are a Diabetic?

The fact that it is painful, discolored which denotes infection. You would have to take a course of antibiotics to control the infection, and daily dress the soft tissue injury with Mupirocin ointment or 5% Betadine solution.

Please do consult a general surgeon who can examine your finger and prescribe appropriate antibiotics. It would be good if you could get your blood sugar fasting, two hours after food and HbA1C to see whether you have Type 2 Diabetes.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Ajit Kumar Varma
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What Does Swelling In The Left Index Finger Indicate?

Hello, As you suspect, in all probability, you have developed inflammation of the left-hand index finger from the soft tissue injury during nail cutting. Just wanted to know if you are a Diabetic? The fact that it is painful, discolored which denotes infection. You would have to take a course of antibiotics to control the infection, and daily dress the soft tissue injury with Mupirocin ointment or 5% Betadine solution. Please do consult a general surgeon who can examine your finger and prescribe appropriate antibiotics. It would be good if you could get your blood sugar fasting, two hours after food and HbA1C to see whether you have Type 2 Diabetes. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Ajit Kumar Varma