Accompanying symptoms of inflammation on the finger
The swelling is a typical sign of inflammation in addition to redness, overheating, pain and functional impairment. The pathogens often enter the finger via small wounds as an entry portal, multiply there and cause an inflammatory reaction. The inflammatory cells produce fluids and possibly pus.
The increased accumulation of fluid under the skin causes the typical painful swellings, which also lead to restriction of finger movement. Lymph nodes located nearby can also swell and become painful as a reaction to the bacteria, viruses or fungi. A severe swelling can be punctured by the doctor with a needle under certain circumstances.
Usually, however, the swelling subsides of its own accord with treatment of the cause of the infection. Swollen fingers may not always be due to an inflammation and can have more serious causes. You can read about the possible causes below: Swollen fingers – what is the cause?
The inflammation of the finger can also lead to the formation of pus. Pus is usually a yellowish, viscous mass that is produced by the inflammatory cells in response to the pathogens. Pus formation often indicates that the infection is caused by bacterial pathogens, in rare cases, however, by other pathogens.
Several forms of inflammation are conceivable. An encapsulated focus of inflammation, a so-called “abscess“, can form in the finger due to the shielding of the inflammatory cells. If the inflammation spreads rapidly throughout the entire finger, one rather speaks of a “phlegmon”.
In bacterial inflammations, these centres of inflammation are often filled with pus. If the fingernail and nail bed are involved, the pus often emerges at the lateral nail edges. If possible, the infectious pus should always be removed and relieved in order to accelerate the healing of the inflammation.
Furthermore, a quick antibiotic therapy should be administered in case of pus formation to prevent further spread and even potential blood poisoning. What is hidden behind the terms “abscess” and “phlegmon”? Find out the answer to this question with the following articles:
- Abscess – cause, symptoms, therapy and prognosis
- Phlegmone- Everything you need to know
