Finger infection what kind of doctor

Symptoms of cellulitis include red skin that is sensitive and warm to the touch. The area may also swell. Symptoms of paronychia include redness and swelling next to the fingernail, which will be painful to touch. Pus may develop under the nail or skin, which may leak out of the wound. The drainage is usually a white-yellow color. Whitlows will look like felons, and may additionally cause a burning or itching sensation in the immediate area.

The swelling will likely be milder than in a felon. Common symptoms and signs of deep space infections include pain when moving certain parts of the hand. The area may become red, very sensitive to touch, and spread along the tendon sheath. The center of the infection may have a soft spot, where a collection of pus is forming. Infectious flexor tenosynovitis is associated with four major signs, which may not all be present at once:.

It is important to report signs and symptoms of infection to a doctor as soon as possible to avoid serious complications. The doctor will then be able to discuss the best treatment options.

Doctors will diagnose finger infections by thoroughly identifying symptoms and their cause. They will usually ask a series of questions to determine when the infection began and if there is something stuck in the wound.

They may ask also ask more specific questions, such as if a person has a history of biting their nails or if they have the herpes virus. These questions help narrow the possibilities down for a proper diagnosis and treatment. Doctors may simply cut and drain a wound. Sometimes they may need to perform surgery to be sure all of the infection is cleared out. Finger infections can become serious and may lead to a loss of a finger or part of the hand. So, home care for most finger infections is limited.

However, a minor infection of the hangnail can be managed at home with proper wound care that includes allowing the wound to drain. The infection may respond to warm water soaks and regular washing as well. If symptoms do not resolve, contact a doctor for treatment. Preventing finger infections begins with basic hygiene and following safety practices when handling dangerous materials or doing dangerous work. The outlook for most infections that are treated properly and caught early enough is good.

If treatment is delayed or infections are severe, there is the possibility for lasting damage. There are many reasons why skin might peel on the fingertips, including hand-washing, exposure to chemicals, and changes in the weather.

Some medical…. Short-term inflammation is essential for healing, but long-term inflammation is a factor in various diseases. Learn more about inflammation here.

Most minor skin infections respond well to home treatment. This includes warm water soaks, raising the hand above the heart, and resting the hand with the fingers slightly bent. Make sure to clean all open wounds with soap and water.

Wounds that have drainage should be covered with a bandage. Never pop or remove the skin over a blister. See your doctor if the infection gets worse or does not get better after you follow the steps above. You may need antibiotics or a procedure to get pus out of the wound.

These kinds of hand infections should be treated by your doctor right away: Any infection of the finger pad. Bite wounds, including injuries caused by closed fists coming into contact with another person's mouth. These types of infections can cause long-term problems if they are not treated quickly. See your doctor right away if you have trouble moving your fingers, if your entire finger is swollen, or if touching your finger hurts badly.

Already a member or subscriber? Log in. Interested in AAFP membership? Learn more. This handout is provided to you by your family doctor and the American Academy of Family Physicians. This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone.

Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the emergeortho. For patients who want to self-schedule at their own convenience, click the button above to schedule an appointment now. For patients who want to request an appointment, please fill out our form and a team member will call you within 48 hours to schedule your appointment. Symptoms of finger infections include : Redness Swelling Warmth Pus drainage Fever in some cases Causes and Types of Finger and Hand Infections Perhaps not widely known, there are multiple common causes of finger and hand infections, which include but are not limited to : Tendon sheath infection When a puncture wound in the finger produces an infection in the flexor tendons around the wrist, it can affect your ability to bend your fingers.

As a result, the fingers and hand are stiff, swollen, red and tender. This infection often requires treatment with IV antibiotics. Deep puncture wounds Cat, dog, and other animal bites serve as recognizable and frequent examples of deep puncture wounds.

The result: A perfect breeding ground for infection. If you have been bitten by an animal—regardless of whether it is feral or domesticated, you should be checked for rabies immediately. Cellulitis This bacterial infection results from a break or crack in the skin around the fingernails.

It can quickly spread to the bloodstream and must be addressed quickly with antibiotic treatment to avoid serious repercussions. Some patients may need hospitalization to fight the disease. Chronic paronychia Paronychia is a term used when cellulitis has progressed beyond 10 to 12 weeks. Chronic paronychia describes the slow onset of the infection and acute paronychia is the term for the sudden onset of infection. Topical steroids may be used to treat the infection.

Deep space infection When one of the compartments within the hand is infected and an abscess forms, the condition is referred to as a deep space infection. These infections often manifest in the space between the fingers or the muscle at the base of the thumb and palm. MRSA must be treated as soon as possible to prevent it from transforming into a more serious infection.

Fungal infections More common in those whose hands are frequently wet — like dishwashers, fungal bacterial infections affect the area around the fingernail.