What should you know about folliculitis finger?

Folliculitis can occur on a hair-bearing part of a finger, but a bump beside the nail, under the skin, or after a puncture may be a different condition. A splinter, insect bite, blister, wart, hand eczema, or infection around the nail can cause redness or tenderness. Note whether there is a visible hair, pus, a wound, nail change, tingling, or reduced movement.

Keep the finger clean and dry, cover an open area with a clean dressing, and avoid picking or cutting the bump. Remove rings if swelling is developing. Do not try to dig out a deep splinter or drain a collection yourself. A clinician can examine the exact site and decide whether observation, a topical treatment, or antibiotics for skin infection is suitable.

Arrange review for persistent pain, pus, a spreading red area, recurrent swelling, or a bump that affects the nail or joint. Seek prompt care if redness travels up the finger, fever develops, the finger becomes very swollen, sensation changes, or movement is difficult. A bite or puncture also merits advice when the wound is deep or contaminated.

Ask whether the lesion is actually folliculitis, whether a foreign body or nail infection is involved, and what warning signs should prompt a return visit.