I think I have an infection in my finger. What should I do?

Taking antibiotics for an infection?

• I was prescribed anti-biotics for a painful finger infection, but I've been taking them for a few days and the pain hasn't lessened. I think I may also have some kind of intestinal infection or GI disease or candida infection, but the doctor didn't check for that... it seems like my stomach has been getting better while my finger hasn't improved. If I DO have a stomach infection, is it possible that the antibiotics that i was prescribed for a different infection could improve this, while not improving the finger? Would my body use the antibiotics to fight whatever infection it felt like would benefit me most? On a sidenote, how can I relieve pain from an infected finger? It is extremely swollen and now hard; it was entirely purple before, but some it's purple with a white, bloodless area, and some black/dark purple spots ... It's hard to concentrate on my schoolwork with this pain.

• Answer:

  As of now, you're taking an oral antibiotic. Speak to your doctor about using a topical as well. Oh, and don't expect miracles. Antibiotics fight bacterial infections, they're not pain relievers. Speak to your doctor about that as well.