Hand Infections

Selected Features of Our Program

Evaluation and Diagnosis

Infections of the hand are usually caused by bacteria but occasionally by a virus or fungus. They range from simple superficial infections to more involved and difficult deep infections involving tendons or bone. All potential infections are taken very seriously. Some patients have a higher risk for developing infections. Symptoms include pain, tenderness, swelling, redness, warmth, and drainage. Depending on the type and location of the infection, these symptoms can vary. Some infections form a pocket of "pus" or abscess. The diagnosis is made during physical examination by an experienced physician.

Treatment and Recovery

Only the mild skin infections can be treated non-surgically with antibiotics and careful observation. Sometimes, these infections will not respond to this type of treatment alone. If the infection involves deeper structures of the hand such as tendons and bone or if an abscess is present, surgery is required. The purpose of surgery is to eliminate all infected tissue from the body. Some infections such as those around the edge of a fingernail only require a very small incision for drainage. Other more serious infections require complex debridements involving soft tissue and/or bone. Sometimes, multiple operations are necessary to get control of the infection. It is critical to isolate the responsible bacteria so that the correct antibiotics can be given. In certain cases, the wounds are left open for daily dressing changes and to prevent recurrence of the infection. After surgery, the recovery process begins. Recovering from a hand infection can be very difficult and requires diligent hand therapy. With all infections, stiffness becomes a major issue. Most patients go on to make a full or near full recovery.