Expert: Roger Eib - 10/8/2009

Question
My husband is a sanitation worker and cut his thumb on a piece of glass while working.  A day or so later he smashed the same thumb while helping a friend move some things.  On top of that he has blisters on it from sweeping out a storage area.  It's terribly swollen and red.  It's very painful.  We put ice on it off and on and he has tried to keep it elevated.  I read your advice on relieving the pressure under the nail bed but the pain is mostly on the knuckle area.  Should he seek medical help or wait a day or two?  He is concerned he may need antibiotics.

Answer
Paula,


I agree with your husband. With his line of work there is a good chance that it has become infected. He has has not had one in the past 3-5 years, he will need a tetanus shot. I would suggest that he see a doctor to have the injuries evaluated.


                                            Good Luck

                                              Roger