Treatment involves incision and drainage of the infected pulp space and oral antibiotics. If left untreated the underlying bone, joint, or tendons may become infected. This activity describes the pathophysiology of felon and highlights the role of the interprofessional team in its management.
How painful is a felon?
A felon causes extreme pain at the fingertip, especially when pressure is applied to the “fingerprint” surface. The end of the finger swells, is warm and turns red. There may be an accumulation of a white, thick discharge (pus). As the felon increases, the fingertip may feel numb, and bending the finger may be painful.
How long does a felon take to heal?
Most patients completely heal within 3 to 4 weeks. In some cases, hand therapy may then be required because of scar sensitivity.
Does felon heal on its own?
A felon finger cannot heal properly on its own and therefore requires adequate evaluation and treatment. If left untreated, the infection can spread deeper into the finger and cause several complications. In some cases, the swelling can block the blood supply and result in tissue death (necrosis) of the finger pad.What are felons on the fingers?
“Felon” is the medical term for an infection of the finger or thumb pulp (the fleshy area of the finger/thumb where your fingerprints are).
Why does infected finger throb?
In general, infections are a common cause of swelling. An infection in your fingertip is also called a felon. This type of infection affects the pulp, or pad, of your fingertip and causes the small compartments that make up the pulp under your skin to fill with pus. Felons are usually very painful and throbbing.
Why is it called felon finger?
An infection of the pad of the finger is called a felon. The finger is made up of several small areas of tissue. Because of this, pus from an infection can build up with no place to go. Then the infection can spread deeper into the finger.
How serious is a finger infection?
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.Should you soak infected finger in salt water?
A simple infection of the finger can be treated by soaking it in: A mixture of pre-boiled warm water with antibacterial soap for 15 minutes, two to four times a day. Water with Epsom salt to soothe the area and provide pain relief.
When should I be worried about an infected finger?The key to preventing disability and possible loss of the finger is early and appropriate treatment. If any signs and symptoms of finger infection are present, contact a doctor at once. If a person has signs or symptoms of a felon, cellulitis, flexor tenosynovitis, or deep space infection, seek emergency care at once.
Article first time published onWhat causes a felon?
A felon is a fingertip abscess deep in the palm side of the finger. It usually is caused by bacterial infection, most often from growth of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. A painful bump on the end of a finger that is sometimes mistaken for a felon is a herpes virus infection that forms a herpetic whitlow.
What antibiotic treats a felon?
- Amoxicillin-clavulanate (875mg/125mg) PO BID or.
- Cephalexin 500mg PO QID or.
- Clindamycin 300-450mg PO TID or.
- Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (160mg/800mg) 1 DS tablet PO BID.
- Duration of treatment: 7-10d.
Can infected finger heal on its own?
Treating a Finger Infection at Home Because finger infections have the potential to become severe, home care is limited. A very minor paronychia may be managed at home if you have no other complicating medical illness, such as diabetes. All of the other infections require urgent evaluation and treatment by a doctor.
How do you drain a felony finger?
Draining the Felon Usually, the incision is made over the point with the most swelling on the underside of the finger or the side of the finger. Once the incision has been made, the infected chambers are opened and the pus is drained. Your physician will remove any dead tissue or skin and will irrigate the wound.
Can you get a felon in your toe?
A felon can less commonly occur on the toes. The information in this chapter can be applied to a felon of the finger or the toe. The distal finger consists of a closed compartment that is bound by the nail plate dorsally, by the skin ventrally and distally, and by the flexion crease proximally (Figure 108-1).
Can a paronychia become a felon?
A paronychia may cause pain, erythema, and swelling, but the tenderness and swelling are typically greater on the extensor side of the digit. A paronychia may progress to a felon. If the swelling and pain spread to the DIP joint or proximally, consideration for tenosynovitis or a septic joint should be made.
How do you treat a swollen index finger?
- Keep your hand/arm elevated. If you keep your hand down, gravity is keeping the extra fluid in your hand. …
- Apply ice to the affected area.
- Wear a splint or compressive wrap. Do not apply too tightly. …
- Take anti inflammatory medications such as Ibuprofen.
What can I use to draw out infection?
- Applying heat. Heat helps increase circulation in an area, bringing more white blood cells and antibodies to the area to fight the infection. …
- Tea tree oil. Tea tree oil has strong antibacterial and antiseptic properties. …
- Turmeric powder. …
- Epsom salt. …
- Over-the-counter antibiotic ointment. …
- Castor oil. …
- Neem oil.
Can I soak an infected finger in hydrogen peroxide?
Don’t use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, which can slow healing. You may cover the area with a thin layer of petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, and a non-stick bandage.
Can infected finger cause sepsis?
While it may seem like a minor cut or a urinary tract infection that will go away, untreated both could lead to sepsis a dangerous infection that is potentially life-threatening. Any type of infection, anywhere in the body, can cause sepsis.
How long does a finger infection last?
Both types have similar signs and symptoms: Acute paronychia: Symptoms of acute paronychia appear over hours or a few days. The infection is only in the nail fold and doesn’t extend deeper inside the finger or toe. Symptoms go away with treatment and last less than six weeks.
Do I need antibiotics for infected finger?
The mainstay of treatment for finger infections is antibiotics and proper wound care. This can range from a simple incision and drainage of the wound to an extensive surgical exploration of the wound to remove as much infected material as possible.
What is a felon medicine?
A felon is an infection of the soft tissue (pulp) of the fingertip, usually caused by bacteria. A felon can lead to a pocket of pus (abscess) inside the fingertip, which creates pressure on and causes death of nearby tissues. The fingertip becomes very warm, swollen, and firm with intense throbbing pain. Felon.
How do you lance an infected finger?
- Place the patient’s finger in a cup of ice water until they can’t stand it anymore to numb the finger. …
- When the finger is numb, clean the cuticle with the sterilizing solution.
- Stab under the skin parallel to the nail, using your #11 blade.
- You will immediately see pus come out.
