3 Common Infections of the Hand and Finger

The hands and fingers are indispensable tools in our daily lives, yet they are also vulnerable to various infections. These ailments, from minor discomforts to potentially severe conditions, highlight the importance of recognising and treating finger and hand infections promptly. In this article, we provide insights into several prevalent infections that can impact the health of your hands and fingers, as well as treatment options. Keep reading to learn more.

Paronychia

Ever found yourself enjoying a day gardening or simply dealing with everyday tasks when suddenly, a tender, swollen area around your nail appears? This could be paronychia, a common hand infection caused by bacteria or fungi that enter through breaks in the skin around the nail bed. Usually resulting from small traumas such as an ingrown nail, hangnail, or cuticle injury, paronychia symptoms include redness, swelling, and pain around the affected nail. Pus may also be visible in cases of bacterial paronychia.

Treatment for paronychia depends on the severity and cause of the infection. Mild cases may improve with warm water soaks and proper wound care, including keeping the area clean and dry. If the condition is more serious or involves pus, oral antibiotics may be necessary for bacterial infections, while antifungal medications are prescribed for fungal infections.

Felon

Felon refers to an abscess that forms in the pulp of the fingertip, typically due to untreated infections of the fingertip pad. This condition can cause intense hand pain as well as swelling, redness, and throbbing around the fingertip. The affected area may also become firm to the touch as the abscess fills with pus.

Immediate treatment of felons involves antibiotics to combat bacterial infection and often requires drainage through hand surgery to relieve pressure and remove the pus. Without prompt intervention, the infection can spread to nearby tissues or even into the bloodstream, leading to more severe complications.  

Learn more: Enhancing Hand Surgery Recovery: Strategies For Infection Prevention | Advanced Hand

Herpetic Whitlow

Herpetic whitlow is a viral hand and finger infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), commonly affecting the fingers or thumb. This infection is typically acquired through direct contact with an active HSV lesion, such as oral or genital herpes. Symptoms include pain, tingling, and the development of small, fluid-filled blisters that may crust over. 

Treatment for herpetic whitlow focuses on managing symptoms and preventing recurrence. Antiviral medications may be prescribed to reduce the severity and duration of symptoms during outbreaks. Keeping the affected area clean and dry helps prevent secondary bacterial infections. Those who are susceptible to herpetic Whitlow—particularly healthcare professionals or those who are in close proximity to infected people—should also take preventative measures like wearing gloves when handling possibly infected areas and refraining from touching their eyes or other mucous membranes. 

Whether caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses, recognising the early signs of hand infections can help prevent complications and promote quicker recovery. So next time your hands send a signal, be sure to give them the care they deserve to avoid turning a minor setback into a major disruption.

Do you suspect an infection or notice unusual symptoms in your hands or fingers? Contact Advanced Hand, Wrist & Nerve Centre led by hand specialist Dr Jacqueline Tan in Singapore for a diagnosis and treatment that is tailored to your hand health needs today.