Infected finger- in agony, what to do?

[cupofteaplease]

I would say I have w high pain threshold and don't like to make a fuss, but I'm in agony.

I started having pain by my fingernail 2 days ago and thought it was paronychia (sp?) so I've been bathing it in hot water. However, the infection has spread and my fingertip is swollen to what feels like bursting point.

It almost feels like pins and needles when you restrict the blood flow, yet it is pounding and feels red hot. If it brushes against anything, even fabric, the pain makes my toes curl and brings tears to my eyes. Ibuprofen and pain killers aren't touching the pain.

I've rung NHS direct but they said they are exceptionally busy so there is a 4 hour call back. I'm staying away from home so don't know the out of hours number, but there is an A&E just down the road. WIBU to go there? Or is the pain paddling my brain and they'll kick me out on my ear?

Please help, I'm miserable

Phew glad you got it sorted, unbelieveable how much pain one bloody finger can give you isn't it?

Oh good

Cup - I'm glad you went and got it sorted out. They kept my Dad in for 2 days & gave him some heavy duty dugs! The hospital was manky less than acceptable desirable and it was horrible leaving him there :( Glad you didn't need to stay - you've seen more than enough of the inside of hospitals in the last few months!!

This is when I love mumsnet......... I am up nursing a broken tooth and you are never far away from sound advice and a friendly ear........

Baby had paronychia on finger, quite bad one, went almost to hand, nail was not affected, was prescribed in uk antibiotics, which is typical in uk, however had a friend child surgent from abroad who advised to make compress with warm water 100ml 10-20 drops of iodine (5%) and a pinch of salt, skin need to be removed because all bacteries under it, we were lucku buble was broken ans skin almost came off, compress every 4 h put finger in this mix or finger inside wet cotton ball and after around less than a week it will go away!
After each compress need to be used mostoriser cream and sterile bandage! If you feel its too bad antibiotics need to be used!