Diagnosis

The diagnosis is usually made as a gaze diagnosis if pus is present on or in the finger. The affected person often comes to his treating physician with a corresponding abnormality on the finger. The physician can conclude a purulent inflammatory process on the finger from the described and visible constellations of symptoms.

A further step in the diagnosis is also a therapeutic intervention, namely the opening of a visible pustule. In the case of smaller amounts of pus on the finger, the diagnosis is complete here. If there is a more critical inflammation or suppuration, a microbiological smear can be taken to determine the pathogen spectrum.

Treatment

The treatment of pus on or in the finger is highly dependent on the amount of pus or the exact location of the inflammation and its cause. If there are only small superficial accumulations of pus, e.g. in the area of the nail or fingertip, an opening and antiseptic treatment is performed by the doctor. In most cases, an additional anti-inflammatory ointment is prescribed and it is pointed out that if the infection does not heal, it should be presented again.

If, however, the pus is not only present on the finger – i.e. externally – but also in deeper lying structures, it often has to be treated locally or even systemically with antibiotics. For example, if there is an inflammation of the nail bed, parts of the nail may be removed under local anesthesia. If the infection has already spread to a tendon or bone, surgery is required.

If necessary, tissue must be removed and the wound left open for several days to heal. In the case of more extensive inflammation of the bone (osteomyelitis), partial or amputations of the finger must be carried out in the maximum case. This extreme case cannot be assumed in the case of a simple and superficial accumulation of pus on the finger.

This might also be of interest to you: Cream against inflammationIn the area of superficial pus inflammation on the finger, a lot of work can be done with locally effective ointments. It is not necessarily necessary to use ointments containing antibiotics. Ilon ointment, for example, is based on natural herbs and plants.

This can be purchased without a prescription in the pharmacy. By applying it several times a day to the pus accumulation on the finger, the inflammation is fought and healing is accelerated. Another usable ointment would be an iodine preparation (e.g. Betaisodona®).

A further group are the pulling ointments. These are based on sulfonated shale oil (ammonium bituminosulfonate) as active substance. This also has an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect.

In addition, it also softens and opens the purulent area and supports the drainage of the pus. In addition to treatment by a doctor, it is also possible to use home remedies for pus on the finger. However, it is essential that the inflammation is not underestimated and, in the worst case, spreads.

Therefore a doctor should be consulted if a complication is suspected. Hand baths can help with minor inflammations. These can be performed as hot baths with curd soap.

The hand is held in the bath for a few minutes (about 10-15 minutes) up to three times a day. In addition to curd soap, other additives can be added from the medicine chest. These include tea tree oil, camomile tea or a Rivanol solution.

Oak tree bark is also considered antibacterial and is often referred to as a good additive. Furthermore, rosemary, thyme and eucalyptus can also be added to a hand bath. Often you can find arnica preparations in your medicine cabinet, which also help with local healing. Also from the field of homeopathy you can find different approaches to treat pus on the finger.