Finger infection – Causes, symptoms and treatments to help you understand and control this common medical condition.

An infection on the finger, also known as digital infection, can be caused by various factors. It occurs when harmful bacteria or viruses penetrate a fissure of the skin, causing inflammation and tissue damage. Among the most common causes of infections in the fingers are sharp wounds, cuts, animal bites and stepfather. The finger is especially susceptible to infection due to its frequent exposure to potential pathogens, especially in case of poor hygienic practices or compromised immune function.

Symptoms:

• Pain and sensitivity on the finger.
• Redness, swelling and heat in the place of infection.
• There may be pus or secretion.
• Restricted movement and stiffness of the finger.
• Increase the size of the lymph nodes close to the affected finger.

Treatment:

In most cases, the treatment of a finger infection implies thoroughly cleaning the wound, since this helps eliminate any strange rest and reduces the risk of bacterial growth. After cleaning, the doctor can prescribe oral antibiotics to combat infection and avoid spreading. It is essential to complete antibiotic treatment although symptoms improve before finishing it.

In some cases, it may be necessary to make an incision and drainage to eliminate the accumulated pus. An incision can be practiced to give out to the pus, relieve pain and reduce inflammation. If they are not treated or treated inadequately, fingers infections can cause serious complications, such as abscess formation or the spread of infection to other parts of the body. Therefore, it is crucial to seek medical attention in time to avoid serious consequences.

Infection in Finger

Symptoms of an infection on the finger

• Redness and heat around the affected area
• Finger swelling
• Pain or sensitivity
• Pus or blisters full of liquid
• Difficulty moving your finger

Causes of fingers infections

1. Bacterial invasion through a cut or wound on the finger
2. Injury or finger trauma
3. Ingrown toenails
4. Bite wounds
5. Poor hands

Note: Go to the doctor immediately if you have signs of infection on your finger, especially if you have the weakened immune system, diabetes or any other underlying health problem. A late treatment can cause serious complications, such as abscesses formation or the spread of infection to surrounding tissues.

Understanding Finger Infections

Causes of fingers infections

1. Open wounds: bacterial infections usually occur when an open wound, such as a cut, a scratch or a puncture, allows bacteria to penetrate in the deepest layers of the skin.
2. Encarnadas nails: incarnate nails, which grow in the surrounding skin, can provide an entry point for bacteria and cause an infection.
3. Bites: human or animal bites can introduce bacteria on the finger and cause an infection.

Symptoms of fingers in the fingers

• Inflammation: The affected area can redrone, swell and become sensitive to touch.
• Pain: fingers in the fingers are usually accompanied by sharp or intense pain.
• Pus: The presence of pus or secretion is a common symptom of fingers.
• Difficulty using the hand: As the infection progresses, it can limit the amplitude of movement of the finger and hinder the realization of daily activities.
• Fever: In the most serious cases, fever may appear as the body tries to combat infection.

It is important to keep in mind that delaying or stop looking for medical attention for a finger infection can cause complications such as abscesses formation, tissue damage and the spread of infection to other parts of the body.

Treatment options for finger infections

Symptoms of Finger Infections

1. Pain and swelling: One of the most notable symptoms of an infection on the finger is pain and swelling around the affected area. The finger may be sensitive to touch and swelling can hinder a comfortable movement.

2. Redness and heat: infections in the fingers usually cause redness and heat around the place of infection. The skin may appear red or blushed, indicating the presence of inflammation. The finger can also be hot to touch.

Note: If you experience intense pain, fast swelling or infection extends beyond the finger (for example, at hand or arm), it is important that you look for immediate medical attention, since these symptoms may indicate a more serious infection.

In some cases, fingertips can also manifest with additional symptoms, such as:

• Pus or secretion: An infected finger can develop blisters or abscesses full of pus. These can be broken, causing the suppuration of Pus, which is a clear sign of infection.

• Restricted movement: As the infection progresses, the finger can become rigid and difficult to move. This can considerably hinder the function of the hand and affect everyday activities.

• Fever: In the most serious cases, the infection can cause fever. If you experience a high body temperature along with other symptoms, it is important that you quickly go to the doctor.

Understanding the symptoms of fingers infections is crucial to facilitate early intervention and prevent complications. If you suspect you have an infection in your fingers, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional to obtain a precise diagnosis and proper treatment.

Common Causes of Finger Infections

A frequent cause of fingers in the fingers is a sharp wound. This can happen when a sharp object, such as a needle or a thorn, pierces the skin. Stuffing wounds provide an entry point for bacteria, which can multiply and cause an infection. It is important to thoroughly clean and disinfect the sharp wounds to reduce the risk of infection. If a sharp wound is reddled, swell or accompanied by growing pain, it is important to seek medical attention.

Bacterial Causes

Bacterial infections are also usual guilty of fingers. The skin contains bacteria naturally, but certain strains can cause infections when they penetrate the body through skin breakage. Staphylococcus and Streptococcus are two common types of bacteria that can cause fingers. These infections usually cause swelling, redness and blisters full of pus. A rapid treatment with antibiotics is usually necessary to eliminate infection and prevent it from extending.

It is important to note that fingers of the fingers can also be caused by viral or fungal pathogens. The herpetic panador, for example, is caused by the Simple Herpes virus. Fungal infections can occur when the skin is exposed to warm and humid environments for prolonged periods, such as when gloves are taken for a long time. Regardless of the cause, time diagnosis and proper treatment are crucial to minimize complications and promote rapid recovery.

Common Finger Infections and Their Causes:

Types of Finger Infections

1. PARONIC: PARCONIQUIA IS ONE OF THE MOST COMMON TYPES OF fingertips and mainly affect the soft tissues surrounding the nail. This infection can be acute or chronic. Acute parncee is caused by the entrance of bacteria through a skin gap, such as a stepfather or a cut. On the other hand, chronic paroniquia is usually associated with fungal infections and can gradually develop over time.

Note: It is important to seek medical attention for paroniquia, since it can lead to the formation of abscesses and the spread of the infection if it is not.

• Cellulite: cellulite is a bacterial infection that can occur anywhere in the body, including fingers. It usually starts as an red and swollen area, which can be hot and hurt. If the infection progresses, it can spread to deeper tissues and cause more serious symptoms.
• Flexor tenosinovitis: flexor tenosinovitis is a severe infection of the fingers that affects the tendons and synovial pod of the fingers. It is usually caused by a bacterial infection that penetrates through a sharp wound or a deep cut. This type of infection can limit the movement of the fingers and cause intense pain.
• Osteomyelitis: Osteomyelitis is a rare but serious infection that affects the bone of the finger. It can occur as a result of a penetrating lesion or by the spread of bacteria from another infected area. Osteomyelitis symptoms can include intense pain, swelling and limited finger mobility.

Important: cellulite, flexor tenosinovitis and osteomyelitis require immediate medical treatment to avoid complications and favor adequate healing.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Finger Infections

To diagnose a finger infection, a healthcare professional must thoroughly examine the affected finger. The professional will evaluate the appearance of the finger and look for symptoms such as redness, swelling, tenderness, and drainage of pus. She may also ask about the patient’s medical history and any recent injuries or possible exposures that could have caused the infection.

Common diagnostic methods and tests for finger infections include:

1. Physical examination: The health care professional evaluates the affected finger for signs of infection, such as warmth, increased pain, and restriction of movement.
2. Blood tests: Blood samples may be taken to check whether the white blood cell count is elevated, which indicates an ongoing infection.
3. X-rays: X-rays may be performed to rule out the presence of foreign objects or fractures that could be contributing to the infection.

Early diagnosis of finger infections is essential to prevent complications such as abscess formation and spread of infection to surrounding tissues. Getting to the doctor quickly is crucial for proper evaluation and treatment.

Once the finger infection is accurately diagnosed, appropriate treatment measures can be applied. Treatment may consist of a combination of medical interventions and self-care measures depending on the severity and type of infection.

Treatment strategies for finger infections include:

• Antibiotics: To combat bacterial infections, oral or intravenous antibiotics are usually prescribed. The specific antibiotics chosen depend on the type and severity of the infection.
• Incision and drainage: In cases where an abscess has formed, a healthcare professional may need to make an incision to drain the pus and relieve pressure on the infected area.
• Elevation and rest: Elevating the affected finger and avoiding activities that strain or cause further trauma to the finger can aid in the healing process.

It is important to complete the prescribed antibiotic treatment, even if symptoms improve, to ensure complete eradication of the infection and prevent its recurrence.

Treating finger infections promptly and effectively is crucial to minimizing pain, preventing complications, and restoring normal function. Following your healthcare professional’s instructions and seeking timely medical attention can significantly contribute to a successful recovery.

Prevention of Finger Infections

One of the main preventive measures for finger infections is to maintain good hand hygiene. Washing your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds can help eliminate harmful bacteria and prevent them from entering the body through cuts or open wounds. Additionally, the use of hand sanitizers containing at least 60% alcohol can be an effective alternative when handwashing facilities are not available or practical.

• Keep hands hydrated: Dry, cracked skin can create openings for bacteria to enter and cause infections. Applying a good moisturizer, especially after washing your hands, can help keep your skin hydrated and reduce the chances of infection.
• Avoid biting your nails and picking at your cuticles: These habits can introduce bacteria from your mouth and nails to your fingertips, increasing the risk of infections. Cutting your nails regularly and keeping your cuticles clean and trimmed are important preventive measures.
• Protect hands during activities: Wearing protective gloves while performing tasks that may expose hands to potential contaminants, such as gardening or cleaning, can provide an additional barrier against infection.

1. Cut nails well: Keeping nails short and avoiding sharp edges helps prevent accidental cuts and reduces the risk of bacteria becoming trapped under the nails.
2. Avoid sharing personal items: Sharing items such as towels, nail clippers, or nail files can spread infections from one person to another. It is important to maintain personal hygiene items and use different ones to minimize the risk.

Complications Associated with Finger Infections

1. Abscess formation: One of the most common complications of finger infections is abscess formation. Abscesses occur when pockets of pus accumulate in the closed space of the infected finger. These painful, swollen areas can cause severe discomfort and restrict movement of the affected finger. Abscesses require incision and drainage to remove accumulated pus and promote healing.

Note: Abscess formation can cause the infection to spread to other parts of the hand or body if not treated promptly.

2. Cellulite: Another complication associated with fingers infections is cellulite development. Cellulite is a bacterial skin infection that can occur when the infection extends beyond the initial point of entry. It is characterized by redness, heat and swelling in the affected area. If not, cellulite can lead to more serious infections, such as sepsis.

3. Osteomyelitis: In some cases, fingers of the fingers can evolve to osteomyelitis, which is a bone infection. This can occur when the infection extends from soft tissues to the underlying bone. Osteomyelitis can cause intense pain, bone destruction and affect the finger function. A rapid treatment with antibiotics is necessary and, in some cases, a surgical intervention to avoid subsequent complications and preserve the integrity of the finger.

Note: The risk of osteomyelitis is greater in people with committed immune systems, diabetes or peripheral vascular diseases.

When to Seek Medical Attention for a Finger Infection

If you experience any of the following indications, it is advisable to seek medical assistance:

1. Increase in pain and swelling: if the infection of the finger is accompanied by intense pain that increases over time, and if the swelling extends beyond the affected area, it could be a sign of a more serious infection.
2. Redness and heat: although it is expected that some redness and heat occur in case of infection, a persistent and extended redness that is hot to the touch must be a reason for concern.
3. Development of an abscess: an abscess is an accumulation of pus that is formed as a result of the body’s response to infection. If you notice a lump or pus bag on your finger, it is important to consult a medical professional to perform adequate drain and treatment.

Note: Remember to seek medical attention if you suffer from any underlying disease that can weaken your immune system, such as diabetes or a weakened immune system due to medication or treatment. In these cases, even minor infections can be aggravated quickly and lead to serious complications.

The early diagnosis and treatment of a finger infection can help prevent the spread of infection to other parts of the hand and reduce the risk of complications such as cellulite or septicemia. Therefore, it is essential to be aware of the warning signs and seek medical attention when necessary.

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Author of the article

Dr.Greenblatt M.

Medical oncologist at the Robert Larner College of Medicine, MD, at the University of Vermont