Swollen Hand

[pixie373]

My 14-yr-old daughter texted me from school today to say her hand was swollen. I told her to go down and see the nurse, who also didn't know why. She suggested a virus or going from cold to warm too quickly. When i texted my daughter later she said it had gone down, but i could see which hand it was as soon as she came in.
She's done no damage to it previously and it's never happened before. Is there anything i should do if it happens again? The nurse gave her an ice pack which may or may not have helped.
My daughter usually well and healthy, but did have virus and throat infection recently, penicillin finished a couple of days ago.
Any ideas what could have caused it?
thanks xx

[Sqad]

No, nothing springs to mind in a 14year old, particularly as it has "gone down"...........a wait and see policy is advocated.

[Buenchico]

If the hand is hot and red then it's probably a condition called cellulitis which can have a variety of causes but usually responds to a course of antibiotics. (It's quite likely that the penicillin was suppressing, but not totally dealing with, the underlying problem. A longer course of antibiotics may well be needed. On the two occasions I've had the problem myself it took over a month for the tablets to complete their work).
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Cellulitis/Pages/Introduction.aspx

[pixie373]

Ok, thank you both of you. I just couldn't think what would have caused it. It has gone down, although her fingers are a little puffy still. She said it was a bit hot and red and felt tight when it was swelling up, but not afterwards.

[pixie373]

Thanks for the link, buenchico. It wasn't painful and was evenly swollen.

[Sqad]

Just a thought...it could have been a bite..........do you have mosquitoes at this time of the year in the UK?

[Sqad]

or fleas?....;-)

[woofgang]

I though a bite or sting. There is certainly still the odd mozzie here in the south.

[pixie373]

That's a good point. I've asked her -she hasn't noticed being bitten or stung. There isn't anything visible now. But that does sound quite likely. She's also now said a branch whipped the back of her hand on the way to school. Why don't they give you the full story in the beginning?

[Mamyalynne]

Ah they do that a lot - sounds like you have the answer. Little devils.

[pixie373]

Hmmm! Thank you, everyone. I'll keep an eye out and see if it happens again. The first thing i asked her- have you hit or banged it at all? No, she says:-\

[Mamyalynne]

Indeed keep a watch and also gently ask....was anyone holding the branch at the time?

[Mamyalynne]

Sometimes they don't tell us the full tale in case of any bother it may cause.

[pixie373]

Thank you, mamya. She says she was swinging her art folder on the way to school. I think she's indignantly tell me if anybody had been, but thank you x

[Mamyalynne]

I realise that sounded a bit off from me, but you know your daughter, so forgive any misplaced concern. Glad she is up front with you, mine were too thank heavens.

[pixie373]

It didn't sound off at all, mamya. I understood what you were saying and it is always something to be aware of. My lot tend to be brutally honest, if anything :-)