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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suggest Treatment For The Cut Due To Rusted Iron

I am online because my significant other is always working with his hands, yesterday he was outside tinkering with a lawn mower I am now really concerned because he cut him self and rust is a factor, his finger is now swollen badly around the nail, he has no health insurance and he is very reluctant to go to the doctor, what should we do, we have antibiotics but are not sure what we can do, i do know if there is any red lines it could be blood poisoning help, what should we do?
Tue, 9 Jun 2015
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Internal Medicine Specialist,  's  Response
He needs to go to the ER regardless of insurance problems. I understand the reluctance, but it sounds like his finger is infected and it will only get worse. You can't be sure the antibiotics you have would be appropriate for this type of infection. In addition, infection in closed spaces like the finger often require the injury to be opened to drain the infection. Antibiotics alone won't cure it. If it continues to spread, it could get into the blood or could cause damage to local bone and tendon, which could cause disability in the future. Plus if he hasn't had a tetanus shot in awhile, he might need one. So best to be seen promptly. Hope this helps.
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Suggest Treatment For The Cut Due To Rusted Iron

He needs to go to the ER regardless of insurance problems. I understand the reluctance, but it sounds like his finger is infected and it will only get worse. You can t be sure the antibiotics you have would be appropriate for this type of infection. In addition, infection in closed spaces like the finger often require the injury to be opened to drain the infection. Antibiotics alone won t cure it. If it continues to spread, it could get into the blood or could cause damage to local bone and tendon, which could cause disability in the future. Plus if he hasn t had a tetanus shot in awhile, he might need one. So best to be seen promptly. Hope this helps.