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Suggest Treatment For Infection On The Thumb Nail
Question: I have an infected thumb around the nail from a thorn prick .I saw a nurse practioner who prescribed an anti biotic which I am taking
I sterilized a needle an pricked open an area that was swollen. A small amount of puss and some blood drained but the area is now purple but seems to be draining but remains puffy.
should I just leave it alone or try to open it more
I sterilized a needle an pricked open an area that was swollen. A small amount of puss and some blood drained but the area is now purple but seems to be draining but remains puffy.
should I just leave it alone or try to open it more
Brief Answer:
should consider leaving it alone
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
It would be best to leave it alone, though you sterilized the needle and hopefully cleaned the area with an antiseptic before and after using the needle, there is still a risk of worsening the infection.
Swelling can occur as part of the body's inflammatory response to the infection and if the infection improves, this would slowing decrease.
In some cases the use of anti inflammatory medication, even if there is no pain would help reduce the swelling eg ibuprofen, naproxen, cataflam
You can consider monitoring for now but if it does not appear to be improving or the infection appears to be worsening, then you should be reassessed.
Worsening infection would present with increased pain, swelling , redness, warmth and discharge
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
should consider leaving it alone
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
It would be best to leave it alone, though you sterilized the needle and hopefully cleaned the area with an antiseptic before and after using the needle, there is still a risk of worsening the infection.
Swelling can occur as part of the body's inflammatory response to the infection and if the infection improves, this would slowing decrease.
In some cases the use of anti inflammatory medication, even if there is no pain would help reduce the swelling eg ibuprofen, naproxen, cataflam
You can consider monitoring for now but if it does not appear to be improving or the infection appears to be worsening, then you should be reassessed.
Worsening infection would present with increased pain, swelling , redness, warmth and discharge
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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