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Original poster

Agonising infected finger - photos.

55 replies

whichspidermummy · 14/02/2024 17:56

I had an infected finger a couple of weeks ago (paranychia?). I was prescribed co-amoxiclav, as my cat had nipped me there, although the finger is riddledwith warts, and the skin around the nail is open.

I finished them on Sa and I had a big area of skin come off, with new skin under it, where the infection was.

I woke this morning and the pain and swelling was back.

I soaked my finger for ages in TCP, but the pain is agonising.

When putting baking trays in the oven it feels like a stone/marble/lump is in the pad on the opposite side.

I've found some bactroban that was prescribed for a nose infection (couldn't use it as wasn't for nose.

I don't know what else to do as its throbbing. The photos below show where the skin peeled and also of today (sorry I know I've got cream on them, but I thought I'd try bactroban as desperate).

OP posts:
TraitorsGate · 14/02/2024 18:49

whichspidermummy · 14/02/2024 18:43

Well according to DH it's fine and will get better, the pad is going numb. I will have to wait as need to be here for DD and DH is going to work, so hopefully it will wait until tomorrow.

It will not get better on its own and its not alright, it needs medical attention, like pp say, cat bites can spread very quickly and the antibiotics may not have worked.

goingincognito1 · 14/02/2024 18:51

Please get it seen , as I dismissed my swelling infected finger and ended up in hospital for 3 days x

nats2010 · 14/02/2024 18:54

It is still very red around the area and swelling evident in the tip of the finger. Your previous antibiotics has not worked and you will need to be seen again to have it assessed. Keep it clean and try not to wet it any more. If anything comes out of the wound keep it clean. I'm sure it's throbbing with pain. Hope you get sorted soon.

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urrrgh46 · 14/02/2024 18:54

Personally think that needs looking at at urgent care/minor injuries or failing that a&e. I'd also be asking your DH when he qualified as a doctor....I'm always flabbergasted at the total lack of regard many husbands seem to have on mn for the well-being and continued health of their wives.

Aak · 14/02/2024 18:55

This won't wait till tomorrow. Get it seen tonight.

Howtonamechange · 14/02/2024 19:04

Please have it seen tonight. That looks nasty and if oral antibiotics haven't worked you might need ivs

Nothingoriginalhere · 14/02/2024 19:07

Sorry I missed it was from a cat bite - definitely more antibiotics needed. If it’s throbbing and spreading then AE or minor injuries/ Out of hours tonight. If you don’t go tonight draw a pen line around the redness so you can see if it’s spreading

Rustygirl · 14/02/2024 19:10

Yep. More antibiotics I'm sure. I'm with you on the pain front though. I had an infected finger like this once and the pain had me up in the night delirious

Original poster
whichspidermummy · 14/02/2024 19:18

@Nothingoriginalhere I'm not sure it was a cat bite, she caught me with her finger when to eager for a deli stick, I couldn't see any puncture wound, even with my phone's magnifier, but it was what worried me when it hurt a few days later. The cuticle was all gammy and funny, as the warts spread there, and I'd picked it, so not sure at all that it was a bite.

OP posts:
TraitorsGate · 14/02/2024 19:24

Even if it wasn't a cat bite its infected, red, swollen and painful and the antibiotics haven't cured it.

ilovebagpuss · 14/02/2024 19:41

Can you see the pharmacist tomorrow or use an e consult at your Dr if they have that? I had a similar issue and sent pics on the e consult and they prescribed antibiotics that cleared it up.

PartyLikeIts2024 · 14/02/2024 19:43

It needs reviewing urgently or you risk losing your fingertip/finger. Sounds dramatic but cat bites are more serious than people give them credit for.

PartyLikeIts2024 · 14/02/2024 19:44

I would also be asking to have some blood work done if you're "covered" in warts and can't fight off an infection. You may be brewing an autoimmune disease too.

maximist · 14/02/2024 19:45

I say that needs looking at tonight! You'll not sleep if it's throbbing away, and the infection will be spreading all the time.

whatsitcalledwhen · 14/02/2024 19:47

Yeah you need that looked at tonight OP, is there anyone at all who can watch DD? A school friend she could have a last min sleepover with if you're mates with their mum? Your DH doesn't sound especially helpful tbh considering how painful that looks!

Validus · 14/02/2024 19:47

You don’t want sepsis. Go to minor injuries at the least.

maeveiscurious · 14/02/2024 19:48

Get bread soak it in boiling water apply when you can stand it and bind with bandage over night.

It's an old remedy but a poultice will draw iout the poison

Oneearringlost · 14/02/2024 19:53

dottyp0104 · 14/02/2024 18:21

Looks like that has reoccurred and most likely needs drained. I would pop back to GP for review (or minor injuries)

Definitely! The relief will be immense.

70isaLimitNotaTarget · 14/02/2024 20:42

TCP is quite strong , I've seen patients with chemical burns after using it , and I always know by the distinctive smell that they;ve used it .

Salted boiled cooled water - body temperature

whatausername · 14/02/2024 21:08

You need to see a doctor. First line antibiotics didn't work and it is getting very close to a joint. Seek medical advice. An infection in a joint can be a nightmare.

Jagley · 14/02/2024 21:20

I was going to say magnesium paste to draw the infection out as it normally works for my son, but that really needs to be seen asap.

Onlyvisiting · 14/02/2024 21:32

I would soak it in hot epsom salts or just regular salt water as much as you can til tomorrow morning and unless it has burst out and feels better by morning go back to the gp. Cats mouths are rank and blood poisoning would not be fun.
Have you been bandaging it? I would leave it uncovered, but I have discovered that covering warts with a plaster/dressing makes them (mine) incredibly throbbingly painfull. I assume it is because they are starting to die like when you use the wart stuff.

Pocoyoismyhomeboy · 14/02/2024 21:34

whichspidermummy · 14/02/2024 18:10

@TraitorsGate Yes it is swollen, the whole finger is swollen above the top knuckle.

That looks really nasty. I've had that kind of nail infection many times (as I can't bloody leave hangnails alone...) and it's never got that bad. Definitely see a medical professional.

Onlyvisiting · 14/02/2024 21:36

Onlyvisiting · 14/02/2024 21:32

I would soak it in hot epsom salts or just regular salt water as much as you can til tomorrow morning and unless it has burst out and feels better by morning go back to the gp. Cats mouths are rank and blood poisoning would not be fun.
Have you been bandaging it? I would leave it uncovered, but I have discovered that covering warts with a plaster/dressing makes them (mine) incredibly throbbingly painfull. I assume it is because they are starting to die like when you use the wart stuff.

Just to edit- if it's spreading or getting worse rapidly then do at least call 111 for advice on if it can wait til morning. And if you start to feel generally unwell at all. Please be careful!

Shania7788 · 14/02/2024 21:44

In case it saves you time, I had an infected finger cut the other day. 111 referred me to pharmacy, pharmacy can’t prescribe antibiotics for this problem so advised me to go to a walk in. So just go to a walk in or minor injuries and cut out 111 or pharmacy