Patient education: Common finger infections – ED discharge instructions (The Basics)

What are discharge instructions? — 

Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of yourself after getting medical care in the emergency department ("ED").

What should I know? — 

You came to the ED for a finger infection. Common types of finger infections include:

●Paronychia – This is an infection of the area of the finger around the nail. Bacteria can enter the skin if you bite your nails, pick at or cut your cuticles, or have an ingrown nail. The area around the nail gets swollen and tender. There might be pus under the skin.

●Felon – This is an infection of the fleshy part of the fingertip. Bacteria enter the fingertip after a small cut, splinter, or other wound. The fingertip gets very swollen and painful.

●Herpetic whitlow – This infection is caused by the herpes simplex virus (the virus that causes cold sores). The finger gets very swollen and painful. There are often small, fluid-filled blisters. Herpetic whitlow often happens in children who suck their fingers when they have a cold sore in their mouth.

●Cellulitis or lymphangitis – These are infections of the skin on the finger. Bacteria enter the skin after a small cut, splinter, or other wound. The finger gets swollen and painful. There can be red streaking that spreads up the arm.

How do I care for myself at home? — 

Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do to care for yourself. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.

You should also:

●Call your regular doctor and tell them you were in the ED. Make a follow-up appointment if you were told to.

●Follow all instructions about treatment. Treatment depends on the type of infection and how severe it is. You might need to do 1 or more of the following:

•Soak your finger in warm water for 20 minutes, 3 times a day.

•After soaking, put antibiotic ointment such as bacitracin on the infected area.

•Take all your medicines as instructed. You might have been prescribed an antibiotic to fight the infection.

•Take non-prescription medicines to relieve pain, such as acetaminophen (sample brand name: Tylenol), ibuprofen (sample brand names: Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (sample brand name: Aleve).

•If you have a pus-filled blister or paronychia, the doctor might use a needle or sharp tool to open and drain it. Then, you need to soak your finger.

●Lower your risk of getting another infection:

•Do not bite your nails or cuticles.

•Keep your hands away from your mouth.

•Wash your hands with soap and water often.

When should I get emergency help?

●Call for emergency help right away (in the US and Canada, call 9-1-1) if:

•You are lightheaded or confused, or pass out.

●Return to the ED if:

•There is painful redness quickly spreading up your arm.

•You cannot extend your finger fully, and it feels most comfortable in a bent position.

•The swelling is wrapping around your finger.

•The swelling, redness, and pain are getting worse quickly (over hours).

When should I call the doctor? — 

Call for advice if you have:

●A fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or chills

●More swelling, redness, warmth, pain, or fluid draining from the wound

●New or worsening symptoms

More on this topic

Patient education: Paronychia (The Basics)
Patient education: Skin warts (The Basics)
Patient education: Cellulitis and erysipelas (skin infections) (The Basics)

Patient education: Common warts, plantar warts, and flat warts (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Skin and soft tissue infection (cellulitis) (Beyond the Basics)