The finger can become inflamed in various places, such as the nail bed, the fingertip or the joints. There are two main forms of inflammation: One is the purulent inflammation, the so-called panaritium (nail bed inflammation) and the other is the phlegmon. The cause is the same for both, but the two forms of inflammation have different symptoms and therefore differ in diagnostics and therapeutic approaches.
Causes of inflammation of the finger
The cause of a purulent inflammation of the fingers and phlegmons is usually bacteria that penetrate the tissue via the smallest injuries to the skin. These smallest injuries are often unnoticed. They are often caused by nail care, but frequent contact of the hands with harsh cleaning agents can also lead to micro injuries.
Bacteria can also enter the skin through cuts, punctures or abrasions. After an operation on the finger, it is also susceptible to germs that can penetrate through the wound. The bacteria that cause these purulent inflammations and phlegmons are mainly staphylococci, streptococci and coliform bacteria.
Infestation with fungi or herpes viruses can also lead to this. However, this is far less common than bacterial infection. However, the herpes infection recurs constantly once it has occurred.
This can be triggered by fever, stress or for example injuries to the fingers. Herpes blisters on the fingers are contagious for other people. Finger arthrosis can also cause inflammation of the finger. In order to prevent the causes of an inflammation on the finger, it is advantageous to deal with them in advance. The following articles are recommended for this purpose:
- Cracked cuticles – causes and treatment
- Finger arthrosis – What you should consider
Therapy of the inflammation on the finger
Inflammation of the finger is usually a very localized reaction of the body to an infection. Most commonly, these infections are caused by bacteria. If the doctor suspects bacterial inflammation, an ointment containing antibiotics is usually prescribed.
The ointment acts locally on the inflamed area and can often fight the cause of the inflammation within a few days. If it is a fungal infection, ointments are also used which can specifically combat the fungus responsible for the inflammation. Extensive infections can possibly only be treated with local medication, as the ointment can only reach the outer skin and wound layers.
General information about ointments and creams can be found here:
- Which ointments and creams are the best?
- Cream against inflammation
The treatment of an inflamed finger with homeopathic remedies can only be recommended in rare cases. Especially if it is a bacterial infection, conventional medical strategies should be used to prevent complications. Only inflammations that are only slightly pronounced or due to overloading are considered for homeopathic therapy.
This could be helpful to you regarding the topic:
- Homeopathy for skin inflammation
- Homeopathy for inflammation of the skin with pus
An acute infection of the finger with clear signs of inflammation and pus formation should be treated by a doctor. Latent infections, which are not associated with any risk of spreading, can also be treated with home remedies. Initially, the finger should be disinfected and washed frequently.
To reduce the inflammation, the finger can also be immersed in salt water, chamomile tea, ginger tea, curd soap water or nettle extract. Quark compresses or treatments with onion can also remove the inflammation from the finger. In case of slight discomfort caused by pathogens in the finger, Schüssler salts and homeopathic remedies can also be used. In general, the finger should be treated gently and hygienically so that no further pathogens can penetrate through small skin injuries.
