Concerned about this "thing" on DS's finger. Staph? Spider bite?

[mamakah]

I should start with saying that we have an appt with our naturopath on Friday. 

I noticed this on DS's finger the other day (probably about 5 days ago). I initially thought it was some sort of bug bite or sting.  It's looking a little worse everyday.  I put a drawing salve on it for a couple days, but it doesn't seem to be helping.  I've read that a lot of people think staph is a spider bite.  I'm now starting to worry.

It doesn't seem to be bothering him, but I feel it should be looking better after this many days, not worse.

The white spot isn't a "white head," when I run my finger over it, if feels like a little dry patch.

I was hoping to get some input from you wise mamas.  I know many of you have dealt with staph and/or bug bites and thought you could offer your 2 cents.

Thank You!

[springmum]

It's a little hard to see in the pic. Is the center a little fluid filled circle, with red around it in a circle? ( I know you said it was dry, but could it just be fluid filled under the dry skin)

If so, that's exactly what my Staph was like. For a couple of months it would pop up on different parts of my body...definitely not a spider bite, as I felt and saw where one began. After a couple of these I've never had a problem since, and they healed with home remedies. 

I don't think I've ever had a spider bite that I can remember, so I can't say for sure it isn't insect related.

Personally I was able to put Tea Tree Oil on it and cover it with a band-aid until it was healed.

If you do use TTO on his finger make sure the band-aid covers it well as you don't want TTO in his mouth.

I wonder if a soak in warm water and maybe epsom salts would work - I know hard to get him to I'm sure, but maybe get a bowl and make it into an activity?

I would say if it continues to get worse maybe get it checked? I think what you're worrying about it MRSA Staph?...the only way to know is through a culture.

Hopefully it goes away soon!

[mamakah]

Yes, MRSA would be my main concern. I've also been slightly concerned about tetanus if it is in fact an insect bite (chances of tetanus are much slimmer than MRSA of course).

I don't know why the picture is so small and blurry...hmmm. It's basically a bump that is pretty red with the tiny white dot on the top. I've tried to determine whether it's puss filled but he doesn't let me examine it for long. I would say the bump surrounding is definitely circular. I asked him if it hurt and he said, "No." Which makes me wonder if it's a bite because bites are often pretty sore.  When I turn his finger and look at it from the side, the bump is a mound, and it's so pink! It looks painful.

I did  epsom salts a couple of days ago, and right after is when I put the drawing salve and band-aid on it twice a day.  The salve seemed to open something, because that's when the white spot showed up (before it looked like a little dot). I'll grab some tea tree oil tomorrow and try that. 

Thank you for sharing your experience and advice! I'll be sure to post updates.

[LiLStar]

My dd had something similar once. On her thumb, right behind the nail. Annoyed I can't find the pics I took to compare. I took her to the ped and cultured it and it was a herpetic whitlow. Basically, like a cold sore on the fingers. It went away on its own.

[mamakah]

Originally Posted by LiLStar 

My dd had something similar once. On her thumb, right behind the nail. Annoyed I can't find the pics I took to compare. I took her to the ped and cultured it and it was a herpetic whitlow. Basically, like a cold sore on the fingers. It went away on its own.

Did it have a center dot too?