Pregnancy: Understanding the Swelling Phenomenon
During pregnancy, it is common for women to experience swelling in various parts of their body. This is primarily attributed to the release of the hormone progesterone in the first trimester, which can cause puffiness in the hands, feet, and face. As pregnancy progresses into the second trimester, the body naturally produces and retains more fluids. Consequently, these fluids often accumulate in the feet and legs, although the hands and fingers may also be affected. It is worth noting that swelling tends to increase as the fetus develops and typically persists until delivery.
Infection: Causes and Treatments
Swelling in the fat pads beneath the skin can be triggered by various infections. One such infection is blistering distal dactylitis, which presents as fluid-filled lesions on or within the fingers. Typically, this condition is caused by a skin infection resulting from Streptococcus or Staphylococcus bacteria. In addition, infections like paronychia can lead to inflammation in the region surrounding the fingernail. Fortunately, most infections can be effectively treated with the use of antibiotics.