Sharp Pain in Finger After Contact with Unknown Object: What to Do?

The finger was punctured by an unknown object, and there is a sharp pain upon touch afterward?

I picked up a pack of hardware at work and felt something sharp prick my fingertip! I can't find the sharp object or any dark tip at the site, and it has been about three to four days.
There is no spontaneous pain, but the location is at the tip of my index finger, and I feel pain when I use it or press on it, which is quite bothersome.
Can a general dermatology clinic handle this, or should I go to a hospital's dermatology or surgery department? Given that the foreign object is very small, will my skin expel it on its own? Thank you, doctor.

Taiwan Laogong, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/09/05

Dr. Wu Yuxin reply Dermatology

Dermatology clinics can handle this.

Reply Date: 2021/09/05

More Info

Experiencing sharp pain in your finger after contact with an unknown object can be quite concerning, especially when the pain persists for several days without any visible signs of injury. Based on your description, it seems that you may have encountered a small foreign object that could potentially be lodged in your skin, causing localized pain and discomfort.

Firstly, it is important to understand that the skin is quite resilient, and in many cases, small foreign objects, such as splinters or tiny metal shards, can indeed become embedded in the skin. If the object is small enough, it may not be visible to the naked eye, and this can lead to ongoing pain or discomfort, especially when pressure is applied to the area.

Given that you have been experiencing pain for three to four days, it is advisable to seek medical attention. While a general dermatology clinic may be able to assist with minor skin issues, if you suspect that there is a foreign object embedded in your skin, it might be more appropriate to visit a surgical clinic or an emergency department. Surgeons are trained to handle such cases and can perform a thorough examination, possibly including imaging studies if necessary, to determine if there is indeed a foreign body present.

In terms of treatment, if a foreign object is found, it may need to be removed surgically, especially if it is causing significant pain or has the potential to lead to infection. If the object is not removed, it could lead to complications such as localized infection or abscess formation, which would require further medical intervention.

As for the possibility of the skin expelling the foreign object on its own, this can happen in some cases, particularly with very small splinters. However, if the object is larger or if it has caused any damage to the surrounding tissue, it is unlikely that the body will be able to expel it without assistance. Therefore, monitoring the area for signs of infection—such as increased redness, swelling, warmth, or discharge—is crucial. If any of these symptoms develop, it is imperative to seek medical care promptly.

In summary, while minor injuries can sometimes heal on their own, the persistence of pain and the potential for a foreign object necessitate a visit to a healthcare professional. A surgical or dermatological evaluation will provide you with the best course of action to alleviate your symptoms and ensure that any underlying issues are addressed. Remember, it is always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to potential injuries to the skin, especially in sensitive areas like the fingers.

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