Newborns finger red and swollen?

[ebbyniko1108]

Hello everyone, I have a 9 day old daughter. Today I have noticed that she has got a swollen and red finger. It looks like as if she has got something under her finger nail and on the outside as well. I will attach a picture. Have you experienced anything similar? I am very concerned...

Hi OP, newborns have pretty rubbish immune systems and can get overwhelmed by infections very easily so it's important for even small infections to be treated quite aggressively in very young babies. That is why drs etc quite often err on the side of caution and give antibiotics when they might not for an older child/adult. My DS had 10 days of two types of IV antibiotics immediately after birth due to raised infection markers. No harm done and he went on to be a perfectly healthy baby (he is now 6 and a bundle of energy!)

I hope the cream clears it up but any signs at all of it getting worse (getting redder/hotter/redness spreading/more swollen) or becoming systemic overnight (temp/vomiting/baby seeming very distressed or overly tired/floppy) then don't be afraid to do to a&e, they never mind seeing tiny babies.

Glad that you got sorted. Hopefully you are feeling reassured. These things are scary with a new baby. Best of luck.

Ohh poor baby. Nine days old: so small! Hope she's on the mend. It's a stressful time enough without extra worry like this

Is anyone else now desperate for newborn cuddles 😍

How's her finger looking today @ebbyniko1108 ?
Hope it's looking better. 😊

OP, it’s just a sprinkle of salt in cooled boiled water. You can either dab it on or put the whole hand in.
Dab it dry before putting the cream on.

Good luck with the littl’un, it does get easier as they get bigger and are not so delicate

The OPs question about will the antibiotics harm the baby is a legitimate question. Antibiotics can cause harm - allergy, rashes, diarrhoea, thrush. Agree with the above poster that topical may not be enough so keep a close eye on it in case she needs oral antibiotics.

Hey OP hope you got somewhere with the GP & you can get rid of that infection. Just want to tell you your baby has beautifully shaped fingernails. Sorry you seem to have come in for some unnecessary flack here.

How's your little cutie's finger today @ebbyniko1108 ???

Water of suitable temperature + teaspoon of salt dissolved, put baby finger in for 5-10 min

It looks a bit better! Thank you

Thank you very much🌸

It looks a little better. I managed to get some of the infection out. I hope it will get better asap🌺

That looks lots better already 😊

It’s really looking much better. Can be so scary when they’re not right, you’re doing great. You did everything right.

Wow looking SO much better. Such a cute little hand! 😘

That's great it's improved so much!

Yes that’s a lot better. Cute little fingers 🤗

Some people are absolute dicks, no need to be horrible to a first time mum who gave birth less than 2 weeks ago - totally unnecessary

Congrats on your long awaited little one!

Looks loads better. I hope you can relax a bit now it’s on the mend. (And hope you can ignore the arseholes on here…)

Glad it's looking better already. My DC had similar at that age and I felt the same about giving him antibiotics. I don't think some posters realise that these days the message about exclusive breastfeeding and gut health is constant and relentless and leads to irrational thought and huge amounts of guilt.

Looking much better already op! Oh how I miss tiny newborn hands

For God's sake, this is a woman who's only just had a baby. She will be tired and overcome with emotion. Stop bloody shouting at her and try being nice.