How long for anti-biotics to work?

[ffukedfarmer]

I seem to have infection down the side of the nail on my thumb, it has swollen up and hurts like feck if I knock it on something.

I went to the doctor on Thursday who prescribed clarithromycin which I have been taking religiously since, but my thumb is no better.

Should I give it a bit longer, or go to minor injuries today? From what I have read online the infection needs digging out.

 

[llamedos]

Is it open?, a cut or pimple, if so try drawing it with just a hot flannel - keep taking the antibiotics and finish the course.
Would have thought you were given a minimum of 5 days of tablets/powder, and would expect to see results after the 5 days,so long as the infection is not spreading further, keep on with what has been given.

 

[ffukedfarmer]

Is it open?, a cut or pimple, if so try drawing it with just a hot flannel - keep taking the antibiotics and finish the course.
Would have thought you were given a minimum of 5 days of tablets/powder, and would expect to see results after the 5 days,so long as the infection is not spreading further, keep on with what has been given.

I wimped out and went in to minor injuries this morning as I was't far away. They said there is nothing they can do, it just has to run it's course.
I've looked it up and it is called paronychia.

 

[llamedos]

I wimped out and went in to minor injuries this morning as I was't far away. They said there is nothing they can do, it just has to run it's course.
I've looked it up and it is called paronychia.

Used to get it secondary to an in grown toe nail, soaking it in warm water, and drying gently but thoroughly helped relive that bursting skin feeling.

 

[milkloss]

Get a decent new syringe needle and have a root about usually get loads of relief when the puss comes out. Doesn't work so well when you've soaked it in warm salt water so if you try that first let it dry good and proper so you can really peel some flesh back!

Purple spray or cyclo if you've got some.

 

[ffukedfarmer]

Get a decent new syringe needle and have a root about usually get loads of relief when the puss comes out. Doesn't work so well when you've soaked it in warm salt water so if you try that first let it dry good and proper so you can really peel some flesh back!

Purple spray or cyclo if you've got some.

I've already given it a poke with needle but only blood came out, I think it needs to go yellow/green first.

 

[llamedos]

I've already given it a poke with needle but only blood came out, I think it needs to go yellow/green first.

no wonder it is sore

 

[Princess Pooper]

I had flucloxacillin a few months ago for a thumb infection and they took about 6 days to kick in - nearly went back for another course as they only gave me a week. Had it lanced properly when it had formed a nice yellow abcess - nurse took a serious delight in squeezing the pus out, goodness me it hurt. I would have done it my self but I have to be a bit careful as I'm on immunosuppressants.

 

[Flossie]

I had flucloxacillin a few months ago for a thumb infection and they took about 6 days to kick in - nearly went back for another course as they only gave me a week. Had it lanced properly when it had formed a nice yellow abcess - nurse took a serious delight in squeezing the pus out, goodness me it hurt. I would have done it my self but I have to be a bit careful as I'm on immunosuppressants.

My thumb did exactly the same a few years ago. I got an infection down the side of the nail. Had a week of antibiotics, but my thumb kept swelling. Another round of antibiotics didn't work. Kept alternating wrapping with mag sulphate and trying to draw it out with a hot cloth. It got unbearable-I could barely draw cows and I had to start the car with the key between my knuckles, but still I couldn't get it to burst. In the end the doc took me to the treatment room and set about it with a scalpel. As you say, the pain, but afterwards the relief

 

[ffukedfarmer]

My thumb did exactly the same a few years ago. I got an infection down the side of the nail. Had a week of antibiotics, but my thumb kept swelling. Another round of antibiotics didn't work. Kept alternating wrapping with mag sulphate and trying to draw it out with a hot cloth. It got unbearable-I could barely draw cows and I had to start the car with the key between my knuckles, but still I couldn't get it to burst. In the end the doc took me to the treatment room and set about it with a scalpel. As you say, the pain, but afterwards the relief

Yup, having to undo the top button on my jeans with my right hand and use my index finger to release the hand brake

Still, feels better today. The underside isn't as swollen and it is starting to go yellow at the bottom of the nail. Hopefully be able to have a poke at it with a needle in a few days time.

 

[Old Boar]

If the wrong antibiotic is used (and it can be difficult to get the right one, as they usually try the weakest first), the effects take time. It is sometimes better to let the infection build, as long as it is local, and then hit it from the outside, so to speak. If you start getting a red line going up your finger and hand, go to A+E. Dont wait. If it just builds up in one place, let it, then spong it with a clean needle, and squeeze until your eyes pop. Soak it in hot water and then squeeze again. The results should be lack of pain pretty quickly. Keep it covered for a day or two, and use an anti biotic cream. Good luck!

 

[Alicecow]

You could also try soaking it in a Hibiscrub solution (chlorhexidine) a couple of times a day.

 

[ffukedfarmer]

I actually popped it by accident yesterday and squeezed a fair bit of yellow gunk out. It is still a bit sore at the bottom of the nail but is no longer swollen and feels so much better

 

[JCMaloney]

I try & avoid antibiotics of any kind, they kill good stuff as well as bad & can make you both resistant and susceptible to other bugs. I`m one for the sharp item & get the muck out.**

** I work for the NHS. I am not a doctor. so its at your own risk kids!!