. Hand Infections | Advance Hand, Wrist & Nerve Centre

Hand Infections

Drainage & Removal of Infected Tissues

Various hand infections require different treatment methods but the two most common ones are minor surgery for drainage and surgery to remove any infected tissues.

For instance, bite wounds that are more severe may require debridement, a procedure in which the dead bone and any other infected tissue get trimmed away. Paronychia, an infection of the skin fold around the fingernail, may require drainage to remove fluids in abscesses or blisters to speed up the healing process. A tendon sheath infection requires immediate medical attention and surgical drainage may be performed to relieve pressure.

Other hand infections such as herpetic whitlow and felon may also call for surgery to prevent the infection from worsening and to speed up healing.

It is always recommended to seek treatment early if you suspect you are suffering from a hand infection.

Speak to our hand surgeon today to find out which treatment method is suitable for your condition.

Non-surgical Treatment Methods

Your hand surgeon may complement surgery with certain non-surgical treatment methods to help relieve symptoms and manage pain quicker. Here are some examples.

  • Taking antibiotics – your hand specialist may prescribe antibiotics to treat infections caused by bacteria.
  • Using a cold compress – applying ice to the affected area can help with swelling.
  • Performing wound care – hand infections with wounds need to be thoroughly cleaned and bandaged to prevent bacteria from coming into contact with them.

Other Treatments