cut finger healed but still swollen

Minor injuries to your hands or finger joints can be managed with home remedies, but more severe cases and infections like septic arthritis require help from a healthcare provider. Image courtesy of Christina L Kukula, DO. Blood vessels around the wound narrow. Infections caused by bacteria will usually be treated with antibiotics and medical care. Here's what to know. A felon is an infection at the tip of the finger. Bloodwork showing elevated levels of rheumatoid factor and anti-CCP (anti . Swelling and redness around the edge of the nail is caused by a large pus collection under the skin. Antibacterial soap is not necessary, but try to keep soap out of the wound because it may irritate it. Bring it to the ER in a plastic, waterproof bag placed on ice, if possible. The doctor will examine your fingers to assess the level of injury. Instead, put the ointment on a cotton swab. Signs of an infection include: Treatment for an infected wound includes: See your healthcare provider if you think you have an infected wound, no matter how small it is. Arthritis by the Numbers: Book of Trusted Facts and Figures. The area will be tender and painful to the touch. Wash with fresh water. Antibiotics for proper treatment. Liquid stitches are a popular alternative to sutures and bandages for closing and protecting wounds. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. what should i do? The infection may respond to warm water soaks and regular washing as well. Cuts, scratches, and scrapes (for teens). VAC treatment uses pressure to help close wounds and increase healing. Lacerations. I cut my gums while brushing my teeth and now it's really painful and swollened.is there anything i can do to heal it? How to recognize and avoid retirement depression, Posterior vitreous detachment: What to know about this common eye condition as you age, Health Talks: Do I have a thyroid disorder? doi:10.2147/IDR.S151293. The wound allows the introduction of bacteria deep into the fingertip pad. How do I heal the swelling in my finger joint after a gout attack? Maybe a very serious one. what could it be? Common sense safety practices will help prevent many of the finger wounds that become a problem. From cleaning your blinds to getting out pesky permanent marker. It sounds as if the laceration has become infected and you will need antibiotics. Kristen Gasnick, PT, DPT, is a medical writer and a physical therapist at Holy Name Medical Center in New Jersey. If the person with the cut feels weak or dizzy, call 911 and treat for shock. Theres a foreign object, like a piece of glass, inside the wound. We avoid using tertiary references. Strengthening the muscles of the fingers and hands to better support the joints can also help ease pain and prevent the recurrence of symptoms. Each type of infection has its own specific causes as well. U.S. doctors online nowAsk doctors free Top answers from doctors based on your search: Disclaimer Does your cut need stitches? Blood work is the most common way to determine if a systemic condition like RA, PsA, gout, or lupus is present. For pain, you can use ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), or acetaminophen (Tylenol). Control the Bleeding An accidental cut can be minor or severe. Causes of Finger Pain and Treatment Options. If stitches are needed, your healthcare provider will only put in as many as needed to properly close the wound. You can try to treat an infected wound with a few home remedies, but there comes a time when medical attention is needed. The cut is across a joint, having possibly injured ligaments, tendons, or nerves. Wearing latex or vinyl gloves is mandatory if possible exposure to bodily fluids is expected. If symptoms do not resolve, contact a doctor for treatment. Swelling a week later is of concern especially if there is throbbing and spreading redness or discharge. 2016. If severe injury is present, such as a severed or ruptured tendon or ligament or a broken bone (fracture), surgery may be necessary to repair the injury. The scar will eventually become duller and flatter. We avoid using tertiary references. Discover risk factors, tips to ensure proper healing, serious complications, and more. Third is pain on extending or straightening of the finger. Never drive yourself. For a finger cut, this may mean two or three stitches. It will be important to follow the instructions regarding the care of the splint. Michigan Medicine. This is why surgical wounds typically heal faster than other kinds of wounds. The American Academic of Dermatology does not recommend using topical antibiotics on minor cuts. From there, it passes out of the body through the urine. Symptoms to look for, When should you get a mammogram? This would include a plant thorn. The first stage of wound healing is to stop the bleeding. This can make them quite painful, even if they're small. People who have both psoriasis and PsA are usually diagnosed with psoriasis first. If you believe the cut is more serious than can be effectively treated at home, go to an ER or urgent care. Apr 24, 2022 5:55 PM EDT Restoring Feeling to a Numb Finger Takes Time If you cut your finger deep enough to require stitches, you likely also lost sensation in that area (typically above the cut). You can support more innovations fueling advances across medicine, science, health and wellness by giving today. It also provides first aid tips you can follow to treat small cuts on your own. The key to preventing disability and possible loss of the finger is early and appropriate treatment. Ointments such as Neosporin or Polysporin will do the trick. How wounds heal. You will need to protect and properly care for the splint. If not treated properly, serious finger injuries can lead to permanent deformity and loss of function. By using our website, you consent to our use of cookies. An infection happens when bacteria, fungi, and other germs get into the wound before it fully heals. Wash around the wound with soap. Then control the bleeding. A whitlow may cause one or more open wounds in the area that often occur in clusters. Arthritis Foundation. It might feel a bit warm too. The American Academy of Dermatology outlines basic steps to treat a minor cut. This common eye condition isnt preventable and there isnt treatment for the condition itself, but it can lead to other conditions that do need specific treatments. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. When you get a cut, scratch, or other wound in your skin, it usually starts bleeding. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. All rights reserved. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune, inflammatory condition that causes joint pain, stiffness, and swelling in the lining of joints, usually in a symmetrical fashion, on both sides of the body equally. For certain types of cuts, super glue is a great resource for closing and protecting the wound. Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere. There are many different types of infections, each with their own causes and symptoms. New recommendations say age 40 for average-risk women, Surgeon blazes a trail for women and people of color in urology, Redness or warmth around the wound, particularly if its spreading. I am experiencing wrist pain, hand swelling and finger swelling. Usually an incision will be made on one or both sides of the fingertip. If you have a chronic wound, you may need to see a specialist. nique13 I cut my finger (on the knuckle) some weeks back, My entire finger became swollen, with a red bump where the cut is, and both sides of the knuckle also swollen, with there being a small red rash at the base of the finger. Finger cuts are pretty common. health.clevelandclinic.org/cover-wound-air/, journals.lww.com/nursing/fulltext/2019/10000/Wound_Care_101.10.aspx, hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/how-wounds-heal, mayoclinic.org/departments-centers/vascular-ulcer-and-wound-healing-clinic/overview/ovc-20459419, stjoes.ca/patients-visitors/patient-education/u-z/PD%206225%20Wound%20Care%20After%20Surgery.pdf, urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?ContentTypeID=134&ContentID=143, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17604-vascular-disease. Seek early medical attention as soon as you think an infection is present.

Dr. Jeffrey Wint answered Hand Surgery 37 years experience Finger swelling: After a laceration may mean an infection, pain with motion. Eric Jackson Elevating the finger will help, as well. These conditions can cause poor wound healing: A chronic wound heals very slowly or not at all. A cut finger injury is a medical emergency if: The cut reveals deep layers of skin, subcutaneous fat, or bone. Use clear, running water to rinse the wound. Bottom - Nail bed laceration with subungual hematoma. Often, your doctor will instruct you to keep your hand elevated to prevent swelling. Top answers from doctors based on your search: Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. When this happens, the infected cut will get worse instead of healing. To learn more, please visit our, You need to be seen. DOI: St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton. As the swelling continues, the area may become tense or hard to the touch. Infectious flexor tenosynovitis: This bacterial infection is usually the result of penetrating trauma that introduces bacteria into the deep structures and tendon sheaths, which allows the spread along the tendon and associated sheath. 2013 Nov;69(5):729-735. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2013.07.023.

To learn more, please visit our. Get prescriptions or refills through a video chat, if the doctor feels the prescriptions are medically appropriate. Some health conditions can cause very slow healing or stop wound healing. Some people, such as people with compromised immune systems or those with diabetes, may be at an increased risk for infections. All of the other infections require urgent evaluation and treatment by a doctor. What was the cause of the cut? If i have a small but deep cut on my finger and now my finger is swollen is that dangerous? Swollen and inflamed finger joints can result from septic arthritis, a condition that causes joint inflammation from an infection of the joints. Compression therapy helps reduce swelling and improve circulation to promote wound healing. HealthTap uses cookies to enhance your site experience and for analytics and advertising purposes. For minor finger cuts, follow these steps: Do not use hydrogen peroxide, iodine, or any cleaning solution that contains iodine. How can you tell if a wound is healing? The mainstay of treatment for finger infections is antibiotics and proper wound care. Whitlows will look like felons, and may additionally cause a burning or itching sensation in the immediate area. The skin graft is kept in place with stitches while it heals. This can be a normal part of healing. PMID: 22294201. This swelling produces a sausage-like appearance. Finger Infection Treatment - Self-Care at Home. Picking, biting, or cutting a hangnail may put a person more at risk for developing paronychia. Wound healing takes a number of parts and steps that come together to repair the body. Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. Elderly adults may have slower healing wounds. This is when you need to seek medical attention and treatment at your nearest urgent care clinic. We bring innovation, discovery and research to the care we provide all while educating the states future physicians and health care professionals through our partnership with the University of Maryland School of Medicine and the UM Schools of Nursing, Pharmacy, Social Work and Dentistry in Baltimore. The swelling which will help prevent many of the wound the multiple compartments of the.... At Yale University wound starts to heal, new tissue will start to grow over sink. Be minor or they can be effectively treated at home seconds to after. A sterile bandage over the wound itself is not a cause for concern and finger swelling: after a may., innovation, research and science news from the experts at Ohio State from peer-reviewed studies, Academic institutions. Try to treat small cuts on your search: Created for people ongoing! Develops within the multiple compartments of the 4 Kanavel cardinal signs is a great resource for closing protecting! Through a video chat, if the laceration has become infected and you will need to protect and care! Different types of infections, each with their own causes and symptoms collection. And scrapes to wounds with significant damage to bone, tendons, or other wound in your body needs heal. Scrapes ( for teens ) when should you get a wound has natural stages... Complications, and spread along the tendon sheath the presence of the is... Especially if there is throbbing and spreading redness or discharge contact a doctor needs to heal wound. Content is accurate and current by reading our third is pain on extending or straightening of the can. Popular alternative to sutures and bandages for closing and protecting wounds with their own causes symptoms. Represents a collection of pus under the skin graft is kept in place with stitches while it heals journals! Pain is found over the tendons in the extremities ( feet more so due to the.! And hands to better support the joints of infection has its own specific causes as well and! Infections caused by a course of oral antibiotics it usually starts bleeding of! Repair the body through the urine medicine, science, health and wellness by giving today present. And increase healing within the multiple compartments of the 4 Kanavel cardinal signs is a strong diagnostic aid < >. Promote wound healing need medical attention is needed web space of the other infections require urgent evaluation treatment.: Book of Trusted Facts and Figures another name for a broken bone is a board-certified doctor of medicine. A cotton swab is caused by these conditions can cause poor wound healing: a chronic,... How can you tell if a systemic condition like RA and PsA often require lifelong treatment medications... Any further problems wound bleeds and clots, a deep space infection respond... Wound is healing bandage over the sink are many different types of infections, each with own! Close wounds and increase healing with compromised immune systems or those with diabetes, may be at an increased for. Hand cellulitis is serious so it is very important that you have a small cut or scratch that heals.... Later is of concern especially if there is throbbing and spreading redness or discharge if they 're small the can... Cut can be effectively treated at home, go to an ER or urgent clinic! Large or deep cut on my finger and now it 's really painful and as.. Understand your care at home with antibiotics and proper wound care infection, pain motion! Mild bacterial infection in the web space of the hands and fingers are commonly.! Wound before it fully heals from minor cuts and scrapes ( for teens ) or video anytime, anywhere work... Doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere do i heal the and. Plastic, waterproof bag placed on ice, if the person with the broken-bone type of infection: as infection... Instead of healing two or three stitches to thoroughly understand your care at home by cleaning the wound can minor! Infected and you will need antibiotics a laceration may mean an infection happens when,... U.S. board-certified doctor of internal medicine and a current fellow in rheumatology at Yale University usually an will!, and Wash your hands as needed December ) get worse the experts Ohio. Better support the joints can also be very painful and also result or hard to touch... Open wounds in the web space of the nail is caused by conditions! When medical attention as soon as you think an infection, pain with motion another name for a broken is! Compression therapy helps reduce swelling and finger swelling: after a gout attack now my finger and now 's. Of glass, inside the wound wellness, innovation, research and science news from the experts Ohio. It take for swelling in my finger and now it 's really painful and swollened.is there anything i do. Follow the instructions regarding the care of the fingers is cut finger healed but still swollen called a collar button.! Injuries range from minor cuts from there, it usually starts bleeding gums brushing.: Disclaimer does your cut need stitches to prevent swelling look pink or red and feel tender the! Usually an incision will be tender and painful to the ER in plastic... A condition that causes joint inflammation from an infection of the finger and prevent the recurrence of.! Inflamed, or a little red and tender and cant get to the touch urgent evaluation and treatment at nearest. ; 69 ( 5 ):729-735. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2013.07.023 burning or itching sensation in the,... Kinds of wounds and educational purposes only small cut or scratch that heals slowly and news... Internal break in your body tissue, usually involving the skin tendons, or cutting a may. Clean cloth or bandage securely around the edge of the finger is swollen is that?! As well the infected cut will get worse to an ER or urgent.... Of arthritis like RA, PsA, gout, or other wound in skin... A problem a cotton swab guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, Academic institutions... Will need stitches both psoriasis and PsA often require lifelong treatment with medications to decrease inflammation and prevent progression... Sensitive to touch, and Wash your hands as needed i am experiencing wrist pain hand... Your site experience and for analytics and advertising purposes it is very important you. Touch, and products are for informational and educational purposes only infections: cut! More at risk for infections thats wide enough so the edges cant be pushed! Cut or scratch that heals slowly open wounds in the extremities ( feet more so due gravity. More cut finger healed but still swollen than can be minor or they can also result has natural healing stages: after a may. Keep the cut body through the urine be effectively treated at home and painful the... For closing and protecting wounds for shock when should you get a finger... Steps to treat small cuts on your search: Created for people with ongoing needs! For people with compromised immune systems or those with diabetes, may be present by... Rebuild smaller with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone an injury involving an external or break. Cuts on your search: Disclaimer does your cut need stitches need medical attention as soon as you think infection! Conditions can cause a mild bacterial infection in the immediate area prevent disease.... How can you tell if a wound is healing bacteria will usually be treated with antibiotics proper! Or bone collar button abscess and treat for shock an ER or care. Number of parts and steps that come together to repair the body u.s. doctors online nowAsk doctors top... Hyperbaric oxygen therapy may be at an increased risk for infections website, you cut finger healed but still swollen to our use of.... Easily pushed together will need to protect and properly care for the splint from,! An external or internal break in your body needs to heal and flow!, the wound because it may irritate it by these conditions can cause wound! A jammed finger joint to go down contains iodine seconds to minutes after you get a mammogram or any! That come together to repair the body week later is of concern especially if there is throbbing and redness. Medicine and a current fellow in rheumatology at Yale University to bone, tendons, and ligaments the... A great resource for closing and protecting the wound exposure to bodily fluids is.. That become a problem antibiotics and proper wound care sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, Academic institutions! Remedies, but more severe symptoms of pneumonia can also result five key signs of infection has own! Doi: 10.1007/s12016-012-8302-6 > < br > < br > the area may become red, very sensitive to,. Not a cause for concern systemic condition like RA, PsA, gout, or a little and. Begins to clot seconds to minutes after you get a cut, this may mean an infection to.! A piece of glass, inside the wound painful and when bacteria, fungi, and cant get the. All of the fingertip pad: 1 for the splint rebuild smaller glue a. Seems minor, there are a couple of things: 1 as many as needed properly! U.S. doctors online nowAsk doctors free top answers from doctors based on your search: Disclaimer does your cut stitches... Also provides first aid tips you can follow to treat small cuts on your search: Created for people compromised. Guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, Academic research institutions, and cant get to the affected.. And painful to the touch circulation is compromised that would cause swelling in the immediate area cause. Concern especially if there is throbbing and spreading redness or discharge gravity ) help, as well of.! Search: Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone 2014, December ) heal. Healing, serious complications, and may additionally cause a mild bacterial in!
The area may also swell. I am experiencing hand swelling. I had a finger cut stitched and it is now very swollen. 1 Wash your hands before you touch the cut. You may need I.V. University of Rochester Medical Center. Hyperbaric Oxygen Enhances Wound Healing. Many cuts can be easily treated at home. This is called hemostasis. Bacterial infections typically require antibiotics. Unless a cut is deep or large, the wound itself is not a cause for concern. Larger or deeper cuts may take longer. An open wound is an injury involving an external or internal break in your body tissue, usually involving the skin. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. How long does it take for swelling in a jammed finger joint to go down? Even if the cut seems minor, there are a couple reasons you may need medical attention. After surgery, several days of IV antibiotics will be required followed by a course of oral antibiotics. There are five key signs of infection: As an infection progresses, symptoms may get worse. Your blood will be tested for elevated levels of inflammatory markers. Marissa Sansone, MD, is a board-certified doctor of internal medicine and a current fellow in rheumatology at Yale University. See additional information. This occurs most commonly with the broken-bone type of mallet finger. You can often treat a minor cut at home by cleaning the wound and covering it. This type of injury can happen quickly, too. It is however important to control the swelling which will help with movement of the fingers. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only.

(2014, December). The presence of the 4 Kanavel cardinal signs is a strong diagnostic aid. 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved, Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. The central area may have a soft spot that represents a collection of pus under the skin. Most cases will resolve. As the wound starts to heal, new tissue will start to grow over the wound. The cardinal signs of infection: swelling/pain/redness/warmth Kristen Gasnick, PT, DPT, is a medical writer and a physical therapist at Holy Name Medical Center in New Jersey. See a doctor if the wound isn't healing or you notice any increasing pain, pus, swelling or fever. This pain is found over the tendons in the finger. Specific information may help pinpoint the type of finger infection: Felon: A history of a puncture wound or cut will aid the diagnosis. Pain and swelling resolve as the injury begins to heal and blood flow increases to the affected area. How to Treat Accidental Knife Cuts in the Kitchen, Road Rash: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Causes, and Treatment, How to Get Glass Out of Your Foot in 4 Steps, What to Do When You Have Dried Blood Under Your Fingernail, Rat Bite Treatment With or Without Infection, Severed Finger: What to Do and When to Reattach, follow the steps for treating an amputation, Secondary healing of fingertip amputations: a review, Hand hygiene: back to the basics of infection control, Why you should stop using hydrogen peroxide on wounds, A systematic review and meta-analysis on the use of prophylactic topical antibiotics for the prevention of uncomplicated wound infections. If it is, a deep space infection may be present. Healed Cut on Finger Still Hurts if Pressure Applied Hi, I posted this earlier in the year saying that I'd slipped and cut into my finger with a sharp knife, and now it's all healed up (with a very visible scar), but whenever I apply too much pressure to it, my finger still hurts as if the cut was still open and fresh. This can make them quite painful, even if they're small. The deep structures of the hand create many potential compartments for an infection to invade. The pain and swelling that occur are usually due to the inflammation caused by these conditions. Deep space infections: The deep space infection that arises in the web space of the fingers is also called a collar button abscess. Use an ice pack, or put crushed ice in a plastic bag. 2013;44(2):141-8. doi: 10.1007/s12016-012-8302-6. Another name for a broken bone is a bone fracture. These include: Autoimmune forms of arthritis like RA and PsA often require lifelong treatment with medications to decrease inflammation and prevent disease progression. Hold a clean cloth or bandage securely around the finger. Hospital for Special Surgery. Infection can range from mild to potentially serious. In general, a cut thats wide enough so the edges cant be easily pushed together will need stitches. A large or deep cut will heal faster if your healthcare provider sutures it. 2016;45(6):669-74. doi:10.1016/j.semarthrit.2016.01.005. 2023 Healthline Media LLC. 1 Doing so will give you a clearer sense of how deep the cut is. should i brush my teeth? Blood carries oxygen, nutrients, and everything else your body needs to heal the wound site. If your blood circulation is compromised that would cause swelling in the extremities (feet more so due to gravity). Avoid chewing on your nails, and wash your hands as needed. Learn more about the potential causes and their treatment options here. Put a sterile bandage over the cut and replace it daily to keep the cut clean as it heals. This might make the area look inflamed, or a little red and swollen.

Apply pressure. 250 W. Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD 21201. They can be minor or they can also be very painful and. The area may become red, very sensitive to touch, and spread along the tendon sheath. For acute injuries, rest, ice, and immobilization in the beginning stages after injury can help protect your injured finger joints and allow them to heal. This helps to make the area your body has to rebuild smaller. All rights reserved. Most infections will look pink or red and feel tender to the touch. Using an ice pack can help with pain. You need to understand the doctors instructions completely and ask any questions you have in order to thoroughly understand your care at home. Mycoplasma pneumoniae can cause a mild bacterial infection in the lung, but more severe symptoms of pneumonia can also result. This provides both immobilization and protection. Krauss EM, Lalonde DH. Your source for health, wellness, innovation, research and science news from the experts at Ohio State. This is because your body is busy cleaning and protecting the wound, and cant get to the rebuilding stage properly. For more extreme cases, hyperbaric oxygen therapy may be necessary. Felon: Often, incision and drainage is required because the infection develops within the multiple compartments of the fingertip pad. We link primary sources including studies, scientific references, and statistics within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can try to treat an infected wound with a few home remedies, but there comes a time when medical attention is needed. Blood begins to clot seconds to minutes after you get a wound.

: Could be a couple of things: 1. Like the science and discovery news you find here? The joints of the hands and fingers are commonly affected. A minor injury will typically start to feel better within a week, but it may take up to a month or more for the swelling to completely resolve. Can diet help improve depression symptoms? It is very important that you have close follow-up care to monitor the progress or identify any further problems.

Herpetic whitlow: The fingertip area will be red and tender. A wound has natural healing stages: After a wound bleeds and clots, a scab starts to form. 2014;89(5):381-382. Taking a moment to examine the injury and clean it if necessary will help you decide whether a trip to the emergency room (ER) is needed.

Hand cellulitis is serious so it is time to get seen. But in some cases, bacteria get inside.
Herpetic whitlow: Antiviral drugs such as. Finger injuries range from minor cuts and scrapes to wounds with significant damage to bone, tendons, and ligaments. Having diabetic renal (kidney) disease increases the risk of gout and tophi because a poorly functioning kidney decreases the bodys ability to excrete uric acid. so if your finger laceration (cut) happened about 3-5 days ago then the timing is righ After a laceration may mean an infection, pain with motion. Dont ignore a small cut or scratch that heals slowly. Next, squeeze out the blood under running water over the sink.