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Differential Diagnosis for Finger Pain and Infection

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Paronychia: This is an infection of the skin around the nail, which is likely given the patient's attempt to remove an ingrown nail, resulting in drainage from the nail fold. The symptoms of pain, redness, and yellow drainage are consistent with this diagnosis.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Cellulitis: The spreading redness of the finger suggests a possible cellulitis, a bacterial skin infection that can occur after a break in the skin, such as from attempting to remove an ingrown nail.
  • Abscess: The presence of drainage and localized pain could indicate an abscess, a collection of pus that can form as a result of infection.
  • Ingrown Nail (Onychocryptosis): Although the patient attempted to remove the ingrown nail, it's possible that the nail is still partially ingrown, contributing to the infection.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Osteomyelitis: Although less likely, osteomyelitis (an infection of the bone) is a serious condition that could occur if the infection spreads to the bone. It's crucial to consider this diagnosis to prevent long-term complications.
  • Septic Arthritis: If the infection spreads to the joint, it could cause septic arthritis, a serious condition that requires prompt treatment.
  • Necrotizing Fasciitis: This is a rare but life-threatening condition where the infection causes tissue death. It's essential to consider this diagnosis, especially if the patient shows signs of severe pain, swelling, or systemic illness.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Erysipelas: A type of skin infection that can cause redness and swelling, but it's less common in the fingers.
  • Herpetic Whitlow: A viral infection caused by herpes simplex virus, which can cause pain, redness, and vesicles on the finger.
  • Tendon Sheath Infection: An infection of the tendon sheath, which can cause pain, swelling, and limited mobility of the finger.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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