Swollen fingertip (pics)

[toffeelatte]

So stupidly I fiddled with an annoying hangnail last night and I've woken up today with a really painful finger, it feels really tight and it's swollen a lot more than the others. I've tried icing it and I'm going to take ibuprofen now but does it require a trip to the doctors or minor injuries? Don't want to waste their time but it's hurting and I don't want it to develop into something worse

Hiya.
Maybe ring the medical line?
Oh no, poor you!
Maybe you need antibiotics? And to soak it?
But I'd definitely get advice xxxx

I used to do that a lot. Personally I'd leave it and see how it gets on over the next day or so, men tended only to be sore for a very short time then heal themselves.

You'll live 😀 Bathe it in warm salt water for a few minutes twice a day until it goes down & try not to poke at it.

I'd be concerned that the swelling has gone all the way round your finger. I've done similar in the past, but the swelling has been localised to the are where nail/skin has torn.

If there is no obvious signs of pus at the side of the nail, I would seek advice. It looks similar to when my DH gets cellulitis. That can be really nasty if left untreated.

I'd be concerned that the swelling has gone all the way round your finger. I've done similar in the past, but the swelling has been localised to the are where nail/skin has torn.

If there is no obvious signs of pus at the side of the nail, I would seek advice. It looks similar to when my DH gets cellulitis. That can be really nasty if left untreated.

Woops...

Woops...

I think it’s called a paronichia (sp?) my ds had one on his toe, had to have it lanced. Could you get to a pharmacist to see what they advise?

I'd bathe it in salt water and smoother it in antiseptic cream. If it's not better after a few days then maybe speak to someone

I'd be concerned that the redness has travelled up the finger.

You need to see a GP for antibiotics. Fingers have very complicated anatomy and it looks like the infection has now travelled to the deeper tissues.

Icing/soaking etc will not help.

PS am ex triage nurse consultant.

I’d have said pharmacist but my medical knowledge is seriously outgunned by BoreOff’s, so go with there’s instead!

@BoreOfWhabylon

You need to see a GP for antibiotics. Fingers have very complicated anatomy and it looks like the infection has now travelled to the deeper tissues.

Icing/soaking etc will not help.

Thank you @BoreOfWhabylon I'm embarrassed to say I'm a nurse too but I know piss all about fingers! I took ibuprofen this morning and I've just woken up from a nap (nights tonight) and it seems better, less tight and not quite as painful. Obviously this could be the brufen but if it's still nasty in the morning when I finish work I'll ring the GP. I was terrified I'd end up with nec fasc or bloody compartment syndrome! Thank you and thanks everyone for your advice