Cellulitis on a finger: what to know

Cellulitis can enter through a cut, cracked skin, bite, puncture, nail-fold problem or other small injury. Affected skin may become warm, red, swollen and tender; the change can extend from a fingertip toward the hand. Cellulitis is a condition that presents with these skin symptoms, so their presence does not by itself prove the diagnosis.

Finger infections need attention because swelling can make bending or straightening difficult. Tell the clinician about a splinter, bite, recent manicure, wound, drainage or reduced sensation. Athlete's Foot is another possible source of breaks in skin, although it does not explain every finger infection.

Arrange prompt clinical assessment, particularly if redness is enlarging or movement is becoming painful. Remove rings before swelling increases, unless they are stuck and removal would injure the skin. Keep the hand raised, wash gently, cover any open wound with a clean dressing, and avoid cutting, lancing or massaging the area. Do not take antibiotics prescribed for someone else.

Seek urgent care if the finger is rapidly swelling, turning dusky, becoming numb, or cannot be moved normally. Emergency help is needed for fever with confusion, faintness, severe weakness, breathing difficulty or rapid deterioration. Red streaking toward the hand or arm, severe throbbing pain, or pus also needs same-day evaluation because deeper infection may require different treatment.

Ask whether the infection is limited to skin, whether a nail or tendon area is involved, and how to check movement during recovery. Ask how to care for the wound, when swelling should improve, and what to do if the prescribed treatment does not help.