Definition
A purulent inflammation on the finger is usually caused by an injury or wound on the finger on which an infection has settled. Pus itself consists of white blood cells and other endogenous immune cells that are attracted by an infection or the presence of pathogens. They attach themselves to the appropriate site to prevent the infection or pathogens from spreading. Pus can be localized on the upper and deeper skin layers or on the nail bed and surrounding nail wall. A pus-filled inflammation is also understood to be when the bone, tendons or joints are affected.
Causes
The causes of pus on the finger are in most cases not serious or large injuries. Even small wounds in the area of the nail are enough for bacteria or other pathogens to settle. In addition to injuries caused by splinters or other foreign bodies that get into the skin, problems with the fingernail and the nail groove are also often a cause.
More critical causes are tendonitis, phlegmon or inflammation of the bone, which can also lead to the formation of pus. These topics may also be of interest to you:
- Nail bed inflammation
- Inflammation in the bone
An ingrown fingernail can be very painful and lead to the formation of pus on the finger. Due to uncontrolled growth or faulty cutting of the fingernail, it can grow into the lateral nail wall.
It can also lead to a widening of the lateral nail fold, so that it overgrows the nail from the side. On the fingernails, the fault often lies in the fact that the affected person files the nails too far down too narrowly, and thus the nail fold grows over the nail edge. This can cause pathogens to settle and lead to inflammation.
The occurrence of an ingrown nail is common on the toes, and is usually due to incorrect nail cutting or the wearing of unsuitable and too tight shoes. This topic might also be of interest to you: Ingrown toenailWhen there is nail bed inflammation on the finger, there may be visible accumulations of pus under the nail and on the edges of the nail. In case of an uncomplicated nail bed inflammation this is rather untypical. It is characterized by redness, swelling and overheating. If pus has formed on the finger and treatment with home remedies and non-prescription ointments is not successful, then the family doctor should be consulted to prevent aggravation and spread.
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