What is it?
Hands and the structures within are especially prone to infections (bacterial, viral or fungal). The anatomy of the hand is complex, and a seemingly minor injury can cause disproportionate amount of harm.
Causes
- Atypical mycobacterial infections e.g. from contaminated water
- Infections in the skin or deeper may come from bacteria (e.g. MRSA) contaminated water, bite wounds, cellulitis, splinters, viruses (such as Herpes)
- Some infections can affect the nerves (e.g. Herpes)
- Necrotising fasciitis is a rare but severe infection where bacteria can destroy the skin, muscles and other tissue after entering the body through a cut
- Paronychia can cause an infection of the area around the fingernail
- Septic arthritis/osteomyelitis can occur when a wound in or near a joint can cause severe infection within the joint itself.
- Tendons can become infected (infectious tenosynovitis) when a small cut or puncture wound in the palm side of the finger cuts the sheath of the tendons
Symptoms
- Redness
- Pain
- Swelling
- Heat
What to do?
Hand infections can cause severe problems that persist well after the infection has resolved.
- Early aggressive treatment with antibiotics, antiviral or antifungal meds, local rest and soaking is essential.
- Some infections require surgical drainage and removal of infected or necrotic tissue.
- Following surgery, splinting and elevation to rest the damaged tissues until the infection has resolved
- Further hand therapy may be required to regain movement, desensitize and manage scarring