Poisoned Finger

[gordiescotland1]

Hi there. I have a poisoned finger I've had it for 3 days getting worse I went to see a pharmacist who told me to put germolne on it and soak it with very hot water. No difference as yet 24 hours ago. I put a plaster on it overnight not sure if I should have done that it is now incredibly swollen the infection hasn't moved I marked it. I am type 2 diabetic and a chronic nail biter not sure what to do next my mum said try magnesium sulphate any ideas

[ducksie]

Did you tell the pharmacist you were diabetic? the infection is spreading, if you have marked it, I would suggest going to a&e with it, you can't heal this with home remedies

[ducksie]

Just read, the infection hasn't moved, I still suggest going to a&e though

[Sqad]

I agree with all ducksie's comments.

You could safely hang on until Monday to get a GP consultation, as you will need antibiotics.

The choice is yours.

[davebro]

I had this a while ago. I bathed with very hot water (as you say) then pierced down between the nail and the skin with sharp pointed scissors to puncture the swelling. A lot of pus came out. Then cover with germolene & a plaster.

[HansUrbancka]

Ducksie is right. Get attention given to it immediately.

Hans.

[ducksie]

thanks Sqad
Davebro, are you diabetic? geordiescotland is and they could have neuropathy or anything, being the nailbiter, probably never felt how hard they were biting on that finger, the immune system is compromised and they need an anti biotic and get it cleaned properly

[pixie374]

I would certainly be more careful as you are diabetic, than if you weren't. Maybe try 111 (I know...) and just get an out-of-hours appointment for antibiotics.

[bednobs]

a few years ago i had the ame in 3 fingers at the same time. i had to have a course of antibiotics. It was exquisitely painful so i really feel for you

[anneasquith]

Walk in centre, re being diabetic .

[pixie374]

Our walk-in centres are all closed at weekends without a referral from 111, so check first, gordie x

[Sqad]

LOL...we are all getting a bit excited here.....what is the urgency?

[pixie374]

We want to help... :-). Sepsis? X

[davebro]

I'm not diabetic but a pharmacist advised me to do what I did. I'll get me coat!

[Sqad]

Pixie.........O.K....;0)

[gordiescotland1]

Maybe I'm being naive here but I genuinely don't feel ill surely if it was sepsis id be feeling bleeding awful

[ummmm]

It could lead to sepsis, worse case scenario.

[pixie374]

I'm not saying it is, just that it can possibly cause it. Don't panic x
Being totally honest (and not "recommending" this).
If it were me, I would ring around all my friends to see which antibiotics they had to hand- as people store them now. And if not, I would try to get a GP appointment.
For a diabetic client, I would get further advice asap xx

[AuntPollyGrey]

Well I wouldn't go bothering the GP. This is not a suggestion for YOU its what I would do:
Get some antiseptic of your choice ( I would use hydrogen peroxide at 10% mixed 50/50 but even vodka or gin would do at a push). Soak a needle and your finger in it then push the needle into where you think the poison is -it will hurt like stink but you should get pus out. Then soak finger in hot water, dry put antiseptic and bandage on and take 400 mg Ibuprofen.

[woofgang]

pixie, you have a circle of friends who store antibiotics? where on earth do they get them from?

[AuntPollyGrey]

Taking other peoples antibiotics is FAR more dangerous than trying to pop it with a needle!