Is it possible for an infection in the finger to erode the bone?
369608
If left untreated, even a superficial skin infection can spread down the layers of skin, fat and muscle, and infect the bony tissue underneath. This condition is called OSTEOMYELITIS. In the cases when only the outermost superficial layer of the bone is infected, it is possible to contain the infection by the use of potent, intravenous antibiotics AND surgical removal of the infected soft tissues and scraping the bone itself clean at the infection site. If the infection penetrates into the more profound layers of the bone, in most cases the only way to prevent it from spreading and causing further damage is by amputation of the affected digit or extremity. In 2002, I was involved in an auto accident in which my legs were fractured, and the superficial layer of the skin on the mid-section of my lower right leg was eroded. A dark, though schara (the proctective shield that forms when someone experiences a burn or burn-like trauma to the skin) formed at the site of erosion. My doctor kept telling me that this dark, though tissue would eventually fall off on its own once new skin developed underneath it; he didn't send me for further evaluation, nor did he do any diagnostic tests such as simple x-rays of the affected area. He only gave me a prescription for Ampicillin antibiotics to take at home, and an unguent [Sylvadene] which is used to treat burns for me to apply twice a day and let it go at that. As days went by, I noticed that my leg kept getting redder around the affected area, it throbbed real badly and then began to swell. I went back to him about 3 times more, and explained the symptoms, but he didn't even look at my leg, and dismissed me w/o further treatment or diagnostic tests, nor reffered me to an specialist for further evaluation. About a month after the accident, I woke up running a fever, and my leg had swollen to more than triple its normal size overnight, and now I was in severe pain. I went to an ER, where a series of diagnostic procedures including x-rays and a CT scan of the leg were done. There, in clear detail, was the source of my symptoms: the infection underneath the dark, though shield had eroded all the way through skin, fat and muscle, and was starting to erode the leg bone (tibia). Osteomyelytis was diagnosed, I was hospitalized and at once put on really strong IV antibiotics; surgery was scheduled for the very next day. My surgeon explained the situation to me: he was going to remove all the infected soft tissue (debridement), and would take a look at the bone to determine the extension and profundity of the infection. He gave me no warranties; if the infection was confined to the superficial layers of the bone, he was going to scrape the bone clean and keep me in the hospital for a prologed course of IV antibiotics. If, after this procedure was done the infection was not completely cured, then amputation of the leg at knee level would be mandatory. Fortunately, when he looked at the bone, only a small superficial area of it was eroded by infection and he scraped the bony tissue clean. After a month's stay at the hospital continuously receiving aggressive antibiotc courses and keeping close tabs to detect any recurrence of infection, I was discharged. The removal of tissue (a block of flesh from my inner ankle up to four inches below the knee) left me with an open, gaping hole in my leg in which the bone itself was visible when the bandages were removed for cleaning twice a day. Now it was a question of keeping the area clean and free of infection until new tissue grew from the inside outwards (a process called granulation). I had to do the bandage changes and cleaning of the open wound myself, inserting my gloved hand into this gaping hole down to the still exposed bone and removing all traces of secretions and other debris; all this I did without flinching, faithfully around the clock; if I didn't do it correctly then a new infection would develop, and there would be no second cha
933130
Nope. It's simply caused by the release of air pockets between the joints. It's a myth that it causes arthritis. It may make your knuckles a little larger (mine have), but it won't cause any major health problems.
1055017
Do you bit your nails or the skin around them? I know that can cause small infection in your fingers.\n\nI would soak my nail in luke warm water mixed with dissolved Epsom salt for 10-15 minutes a couple time a day. This is kill the infection and bring down the swelling. Good luck!
137768
As a teenager ( a couple of years ago! ) I smashed my finger in the car door.  It bled terribly.  My uncle took a sterilized knife and bore a small hole into the nail to relieve the pressure.  It remained horribly purple for weeks and the nail came off.  Another nail replaced it, although it did take a while.
663386
There are a lot of bones in the wrist, if you've moved or fractured a small bone, there c/b changes inside.  It's weird that your pinkie and thumb hurt and the fingers between you haven't mentioned. Pinkie could also be from your lateral epicondyle (elbow) and thumb..De Quervains Tenosynovitis. Ask the doc (or better yet, ask a physiotherapist) to assess you for those conditions too.  How's the other hand? Is this your dominant hand?
570245
A human finger, or was it a toe
1098515
No,that is an impossible reason..There's a condition,usually genetic(that is when is transmitted from genaration to genaration),which cause those nasty inproper grow of the nails..See a good specialist,because in the long run you may experience nasty outcomes if neglected..Good luck!!!
306397
An infection maybe...
222056
If it's a tooth hurting, then yes there could be possible infection in the tooth.  If it's just your jaw hurting then it's probably not an infected tooth.  I would suggest going to an Oral Surgeon rather than a general dentist so they can have a look... they have the equipment to take the necessary xrays of the jaw and they also specialize in doing surgeries of the jaw, face, etc.
1159818
Hello:\nThis is in response to the question you posted on yahoo concerning the injury to your fingers. It sounds like you sustained what is called an "abrasion" which is simply a scrape over the skin where the top layer of skin is sheered off. It is very common and rarely will get infected unless you get it really dirty. What I would suggest is wash the area with warm soapy water, pat it dry with a paper towel and apply something like neosporin or triple antiobiotic cream, both of which you can purchase over the counter at your local drug store. Repeat this 2-3 times per day, and within a few days a nice scab will form over the traumatized area. Dont pick at the scab though. Let it fall off on its own. There is a very slim chance of an infection, but signs of an infection include warmth, redness around the area, streaking redness up your arm, fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and a change in your mental awareness.\nI hope this answered your question and alleviated some of the concerns you had.\nBest regards,\nWarren Shaffer, M.D.
304508
Hi\nI guess it depends on the individual.\nMy Mother started with a sore toe on Christmas eve & by new years eve it was turning black & purple & smelled awful so new years day the vascular surgeon removed her big toe.\n\nShe is still having the district nurse in to clean & dress it 3 months on.\nOn a positive note...... Her toe is healing well & it has started to close up nicely. no secondary infections etc.\n\nDiabetes is a nasty condition if you dont keep it under control\n\nGood luck
414781
Is this a whole body thing or a infection in a specific location?
1004312
it might...might enlarge your joints or may increase chances of joint diseases.  i've cracked my knuckles since i was a kid, i need to since i use my hands a so much. just don't overdo it. and don't believe that stupid myth that it causes arthiritis. that hasn't been proven.
821229
I'm not sure...if I had to guess I'd say no..but there are lots of crazy things out there.  I once lost my fingernail and wondered the same thing...but it grew back...thank GOD!!!
985413
You probably have rheumatoid arthritis (as this usually occurs more in fingers than osteoarthritis).  This is an inherited disease that you cannot get rid of.  Arthritis is the inflammation of the joints resulting from a degradation of the cartilage between them.  Therefore, while you may certainly massage it, that will not help.  The best thing to do is go see an orthopedists who can help with a solution.  The ones out there include pain medication and replacement.  \nGood luck finding help.
857673
Unfortunately, arthritis can strike at any age.  It would'nt hurt to make an appointment with your doctor to talk about this with him.  I have had arthritis in my fingers since age 19 and at age 48, I now have it in my feet, back and neck.  Do not despair though.  There are many prescription drugs on the market now that can relief most if not all of your discomfort if this is your diagnosis.  Whether or not you will be able to continue nursing, will be something you and your doctor will want to talk about.
470726
A whole cascade of events occurs with your immune system that involves something called inflammation (blood and other products rush to the wound and try to attack the invading bacteria and germs, and release chemicals). It's actually a very complicated process. You'll get swelling, reddness, heat and pain to the area, and it's our immune system doing it's job. Then a healing phase occurs. The mouth has unique bacteria and a human bite is one of the worse bites in the world and you should get it treated ASAP. Many people recover without a problem but the condition is undertreated. I've seen really bad bone infections (osteomyelitis), joint necrosis, and two finger amputations because patients got treated too late...