[31F] With swollen finger and radiating pain

What might be happening

Based on the information provided, possible diagnoses include:

• Cellulitis: This is a bacterial skin infection that can cause redness, swelling, and pain. The white outline around your fingernail could be a sign of pus, which is common in infections.

  • Treatment typically involves antibiotics to clear the infection.

• Paronychia: This is an infection of the skin around the fingernail. It can cause redness, swelling, and pain. The white outline around your fingernail could be pus, which is common in this condition.

  • Treatment usually involves draining the pus and antibiotics if the infection is severe or doesn't improve.

• Gout or Pseudogout: These are types of arthritis that typically affect one joint at a time and can cause sudden, severe pain, redness, and swelling. However, they usually affect the big toe or knee rather than the finger.

  • Treatment involves medications to control pain and inflammation, and to lower uric acid levels in the case of gout.

What you can do

While waiting for your appointment with a healthcare professional, you can:

1. Continue to apply ice to the swollen area for 15 minutes at a time, with a cloth between the ice and your skin.
2. Keep your hand elevated as much as possible to help reduce swelling.
3. Avoid using your hand too much to prevent further irritation or injury.
4. Over-the-counter pain relievers (other than Ibuprofen, which you are allergic to) can help with pain and inflammation.

What you should look out for

Please seek immediate medical attention if:

• The swelling and pain continue to worsen.
• You develop a fever or chills.
• The skin over the swollen area changes color or becomes hot to the touch.
• You notice red streaks spreading from the swollen area.

Please remember, this advice is intended to be general in nature, and specific causes may not apply to your situation. Always consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate examination, testing, and care recommendations.