![]() It may be possible to see a pool of pus forming under the skin. Typical symptoms of a felon include a swollen and painful fingertip. When a cut on the finger becomes infected, symptoms include:Įach finger infection comes with its own symptoms as well: Most infections will look pink or red and feel tender to the touch. Individuals who work in hazardous professions may also be more likely to injure themselves, potentially leading to infection. Some people, such as people with compromised immune systems or those with diabetes, may be at an increased risk for infections. The structures of the hand are not ready to deal with surface bacteria and provide plenty of potential areas for the bacteria to infect. It is also possible for someone with herpes to infect their own finger.ĭeep space infections, including infectious flexor tenosynovitis, are usually caused by a deep puncture wound or very deep cut that allows bacteria to reach the deepest tissues in the hand and finger. People who work with bodily fluids, such as doctors, dentists, and other medical workers, may be more at risk of contracting the infection. It is the same virus that causes outbreaks of oral or genital herpes. Herpes simplex virus I or II is the virus responsible for herpetic whitlow. Picking, biting, or cutting a hangnail may put a person more at risk for developing paronychia. The infection may spread to the surrounding area. It starts when a hangnail or cuticle becomes irritated and leads to an open would that contains bacteria. This infection is usually caused by the same bacteria that causes felon infections, though, on rare occasions, a fungus can also cause it. The infection may spread to other parts of the hands and fingers via the bloodstream. The bacteria enter the lower layers of the skin through an open wound. The same bacteria that cause felon infections are also responsible for cellulitis. The puncture wound allows these bacteria to get into the deeper layers of the skin and multiply, creating the typical symptoms. Staphylococcal and streptococcal organisms are often the source of the infection. Each type of infection has its own specific causes as well.Ī felon infection is usually the result of a puncture wound, such as poking the tip of the finger with a pin. Herpetic whitlow is the classic exception to this rule, as it is caused by a virus instead of bacteria. Other possible entry points for bacteria may be animal or insect bites, paper cuts, or puncture wounds. Infections around the body are most commonly caused by bacteria that infect the finger due to an injury, such as a cut on the finger. Share on Pinterest A puncture wound on the end of the finger may lead to a felon infection. ![]() This particular type affects the tendons and tendon sheaths responsible for flexing and closing the muscles and bones in the hand. Infectious flexor tenosynovitis is a type of deep space infection that involves the structures in the hand rather than just the skin. These may be the blood vessels, tendons, or muscles. It can also have similar symptoms to paronychia, but will not respond to antibiotics.ĭeep space infections are infections that involve one or more structures in the hand and fingers that are below the skin. The virus usually infects the fingertip and may be confused for a felon because of this. Herpetic whitlow is an infection caused by a virus. It is the most common infection of the hand. The tissues on the edges of the finger near the nail root provide the perfect place for bacteria to enter. Paronychia is an infection of a hangnail on the finger. It usually does not involve the deeper levels of tissue on the hand or finger. The infection takes over the pad of the fingertip and the soft tissue around it.Ĭellulitis is an infection on the surface of the skin. There are many different types of infections, each with their own causes and symptoms.Ī felon is an infection at the tip of the finger. Share on Pinterest There are many different types of finger infection.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |