Could this be an infection in the thumb?

Question

My husband's thumb has this big swelled spot on the end, right where the fingerprints are. He said he didn't hurt it, but he uses his hands alot at work. He said that for a few days it was indented like there was a big groove in the middle of his thumbprint. Then one morning he woke up and it was swelled. It's swelled like he has a marble under his skin right where the thumbprint is. It hurts him to use that thumb. Ice makes it feel better, but soaking it and icing it isn't making the swelling go down. What could this be?

Answer 1

does he remember hitting it on something or something getting jabbed into his thumb? i would recommend keeping it very clean, try antibiotic ointment or something. if it doesnt go down i would see a doctor. i work in a lab and we've often seen amputated fingers come through because people aren't careful about taking care of their injuries.