Finger Felon

Home care

• If you are prescribed antibiotics, take them exactly as directed. Finish the entire course of the medicine, even if your finger feels better. Don’t skip doses.

• Care for your wound as directed by your doctor. This may include washing the finger with clean, running water. Cover the wound with a nonstick bandage or loose gauze.

• Prop up your hand on pillows, several towels, or a cushion when possible to reduce swelling.

• You may use over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen unless your doctor has prescribed a different pain reliever. Don't take over-the-counter pain relievers without first talking to your doctor if you have kidney or liver problems, stomach ulcers or bleeding, or if you are taking blood thinners.

Follow-up care

Follow up with your doctor, or as advised.

When to get medical advice

Contact your doctor right away if:

• Your infection doesn’t improve with treatment within 7 days, or as directed by your doctor.

• Red areas have spread.

• Swelling or pain gets worse.

• Fluid (pus) leaks from the skin.

• You have a fever of 100.4ºF (38.0ºC) or higher after 2 days on antibiotics.