More degrees of ouch

[desperance]

Owwie! I cut my thumb, during the domestic disasters two days ago: on a broken bottle of oil, since you ask. And I washed it and stopped the bleeding more or less and stuck a plaster on, and I really do feel that ought to be enough.

Apparently not. Woke up at four this morning and haven't really slept again, because the thumb is significantly painful; seen in the light of day, it's also significantly swollen. The cut itself looks okay, I think; but that's just above the first joint, and most of the hurt is down around the second joint, where I did no damage at all that I'm aware of...

Don't know what to do, really: write it down as another gift of ageing (I have noted before, that simple hurts don't heal as simply as they were used to do)? Or consult a species of medical professional? I'm at a loss, a bit. And frustrated, because I really need to be working, but ouchie. Apparently I can type; I'm just not sure if I can think.

Comments

[tammy-moore.livejournal.com]

*be aware that I chickened out of a neck tattoo on the grounds I might get an infection that would travel into my spine and from there to my brain. My BRRAAAIIIIN! I'm more worst case scenario than reassurance.*

How deep is the cut? Is it possible that you've damaged a tendon? You could have strained something trying to grab the things when they fell. If it's VERY painful or doesn't get better, it might be an idea to get it checked out at your doctor's - if they have a treatment room the nurses might be able to have a look at it.

[pogodragon.livejournal.com]

If you've got anything like an NHS Walk-In Centre around you I'd probably wander down and let them have a look at it.

NHS Direct

[durham-rambler.livejournal.com]

Better still, call NHS Direct on 08 45 46 47 and ask them. I have found them helpful and knowledgeable in the past, particularly with questions like Do I need to bother a doctor with this?

Re: NHS Direct

[pogodragon.livejournal.com]

I've never used NHS Direct myself, but I think every story I've heard of someone calling them has ended up with 'but go to A&E just to make sure'.

I'm possibly more cynical than I should be (I worked in the NHS, close to the front line, for about 10 years).

[shewhomust.livejournal.com]

At four in the morning all minor injuries seem fatal - but if in the morning it's still perceptibly swollen, yes, perhaps you should get a medically qualified person to look at it.

[autopope.livejournal.com]

If it feels hot and looks a little red, it's probably infected.

I get this quite regularly. Self-treatment options: in the UK, not a lot -- you need to see a doctor and get a prescription for any kind of antibiotic ointment. In the US: Neosporin or Bacitracin or similar antibiotic ointments are available over the counter. (Guess who stocks up whenever he goes over, just to avoid having to sit around the GP's waiting room?)

Secondary options are nerve damage or a damaged tendon, but I'd expect those to trouble you a lot faster than 48 hours after the event -- 48 hours is about right for an infection to incubate.

[leela-cat.livejournal.com]

Having just recovered from an infection in my thumb that started as a minor cut, I recommend a walk-in clinic or a doctor. Seriously. Getting my thumb cut open because I didn't pay attention when it was at the stage yours is at wasn't fun.

[jemck.livejournal.com]

Even in this hardy household, that would warrant a trip to the local minor injuries unit.

[deborahjross.livejournal.com]

You could always try warm moist compresses (dip washcloth in the hottest water you can stand, apply to or wrap around affected body part gently) for 5-10 minutes each hour. If it's going to help, it usually will improve things in a couple of hours.

It sounds like a "nothing" home remedy, but can work surprisingly well. We get small infections all the time without needing antibiotics. The heat brings a rush of blood to the area, speeding up the body's own defenses. I wouldn't rely on it as the sole remedy, but it's worth a try (and if it makes the hurt feel better, can easily be continued as a comfort measure along with meds.)

[pennski.livejournal.com]

Ooh yes, I remember doing this for my damaged finger 20 years ago when it got infected afterwards.

I did combine that with antibiotics as well though.

[birdsedge.livejournal.com]

If the pain isn't at the immediate wound site it sounds like an infection to me and probably warrants antibiotics to kick it in the head before it sets in and gets nasty. Yes I know it's only small, but it doesn't take much swelling at a knuckle joint to make it VERY painful indeed.