Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Swollen finger tip

Hi, making it short and quick. My finger tip is swollen, red, tender, and a bit discolored. Could it be a ingrown nail or a infection? If so can it be treated at home? If so what should I do? Thank you in advance.
5 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
Thank you all!! I will make an appointment with my dr.
Helpful - 0
4851940 tn?1515694593
Well regardless of how it got like that, it seems that there is an infection.

My advice is to make an appointment to see your doctor who will be able to examine the finger and decide what course of action need to be taken.

Sometimes a boil or abscess may form and this may need lancing and draining.  Infections can spread, so it does matter how small it is, it still needs looking at.

As you have asked if it could be in ingrowing nail, I presume that it is on the edge of the finger nail.  If that is the case, sometimes we get "back friends", little bits of dry skin and when they are pulled off an infection can occur.   Sometimes can just happen.  You will need an antibiotic cream to apply to that part of the finger.

Your doctor will decide whether an antibiotic cream will be OK, or whether you need a course of antibiotics.
Helpful - 0
1415174 tn?1453243103
COMMUNITY LEADER
A couple of questions for you are did the fingernail get bent or broken or is it coming up off the nail bed? What color is the finger? Did you injure it? If so how? And how long ago?
mkh9
Helpful - 0
1415174 tn?1453243103
COMMUNITY LEADER
It sounds like you might have been poked with something and it got infected. I I would see your doctor. The color change is not good, especially if it is getting black or dark.  The only thing you can try at home if it has an opening put 3% hydrogen peroxide and then let dry then triple antibiotic ointment. If that doesn't get better  you need to see your doctor. If you see red streaks go to the doctor if they are open or to the ER.
mkh9
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Also, I've been soaking my finger in Epsom salt and warm water 2 times a day for the last two days. (I see a small change on the swelling)
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Infectious Diseases Community

Top Infectious Diseases Answerers
1415174 tn?1453243103
CA
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Fearing autism, many parents aren't vaccinating their kids. Can doctors reverse this dangerous trend?
Can HIV be transmitted through this sexual activity? Dr. Jose Gonzalez-Garcia answers this commonly-asked question.
A breakthrough study discovers how to reduce risk of HIV transmission by 95 percent.
Dr. Jose Gonzalez-Garcia provides insight to the most commonly asked question about the transfer of HIV between partners.
Before your drop a dime at the pharmacy, find out if these popular cold and flu home remedies are a wonder or a waste
Fend off colds and the flu with these disease-fighting foods