The Most Common Types of Hand Infections

Our hands are one of the busiest parts of our body, which makes it more prone to injuries and infections. When left untreated or undiagnosed, minor hand infections can escalate to a more severe and critical health problem. In this blog post, we’ll explore the most common types of hand infections, their causes, symptoms, and treatment options that you need to know.

1. Abscesses

An abscess is a pocket of pus that forms under the skin of your hand or around your nail. It commonly occurs due to bacterial skin infections, such as staph or strep. Symptoms may include redness, swelling, tenderness, and warmth on the affected area. To treat an abscess, your hand surgeon may prescribe antibiotics, drainage, or surgical removal of the abscess.

2. Cellulitis

Cellulitis is a bacterial skin infection that affects the deeper layers of your skin. It can cause swelling, redness, and pain in the affected area. If left untreated, it can spread to your lymph nodes and bloodstream, causing sepsis. Treatment for cellulitis usually includes antibiotics and home care to manage the symptoms.

3. Felon

Felon is an infection that occurs in the pulp of your fingertip. It is caused by bacteria that enter the skin through an opening around the nail bed. It commonly occurs in people who bite their nails or cuticles. Symptoms of a felon may include severe pain, redness, swelling, and tenderness on the fingertip. To treat a felon, your orthopedic surgeon may recommend antibiotics, drainage, or surgical removal of the affected area.

4. Paronychia

Paronychia is a type of infection that affects the skin and tissues around your nail bed. It occurs when bacteria or fungi enter the skin through a cut or wound around the nail. Symptoms of paronychia include swelling, redness, warmth, and pain on the affected area. Treatment for paronychia usually includes antibiotics, soaking the affected area in warm water, and home care to manage the symptoms.

5. Tendinitis

Tendinitis is a condition that affects the tendons in your hand. It is commonly caused by repetitive motion, overuse, or injury. Symptoms of tendinitis may include pain, swelling, and tenderness on the affected tendon. To treat tendinitis, your hand surgeon may recommend rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE), physical therapy, or in severe cases, surgery.

 

Conclusion

Hand infections can cause a considerable disruption in your daily activities. If you suspect that you have a hand infection or you’re experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, contact your orthopedic surgeon immediately. At Central Florida Bone & Joint Institute, we have a team of expert physicians and healthcare providers who can diagnose and treat a wide range of hand infections. Don't let a minor hand infection become a significant health problem. Seek treatment as soon as possible, and let us help you get back to your daily routine. If you're looking for an orthopedic surgeon in Deland, FL, Contact Central Florida Bone & Joint Institute today for more information.