Hand Infections

Hand infections are a prevalent issue in the world today. While many people suffer from infections in the hands, some don’t realize that it can be highly dangerous when left untreated.

What Is a Hand Infection?

Infection occurs when a harmful organism penetrates the skin and infiltrates the body. The organism can duplicate and spread throughout the body, causing various symptoms. 

Hand infections are common and come in many forms. Examples include:

  • Cellulitis
  • Felon
  • Paronychia
  • Deep space infections
  • Herpetic whitlow
  • Pyogenic flexor tenosynovitis

When left untreated, a hand infection can lead to stiffness, loss of mobility, and even amputation. Some also have the potential to spread throughout the body, causing more severe complications. 

What Causes Hand Infections?

Hand infections are most often caused by wounds that aren’t properly cared for. Even a minor cut or scrape can become infected if it’s not cleaned and covered promptly. Since we all use our hands for most of our daily activities, they’re particularly susceptible to accidents and injuries. For example, paper cuts and puncture wounds are common hand injuries that pose the risk for infection. 

Animal or insect bites are another common cause. Bacteria from the animal or insect’s saliva can get into the bite wound. If the bite wound isn’t immediately cleaned and treated, that bacteria can penetrate the skin and eventually turn into an infection. 

Treatment Options for Hand Infections

Hand infections are often treated with antibiotics, which work to kill off harmful bacteria causing the infection. Diligently soaking and washing the infected wound can also significantly speed up the treatment process. 

Surgery is the most widely administered treatment for severe hand infections. Surgical procedures can range from simply cutting and draining the wound to intensive surgical treatment. At Julian Plastic Surgery, we’ll precisely pinpoint the location of your infection so that it can be treated as seamlessly as possible. 

Contact us today to meet with a member of our staff and learn more about your treatment options.Â