11 Types of Hand Infections

There are many types and causes of hand infections. They can cause serious problems and symptoms that may last after the infection is solved. This is why it is important to visit a hand surgeon immediately and get early treatment if you have signs of one of these hand infections:

1. Atypical Mycobacterial Infection: These infections gradually develop and can be characterized by swelling and stiffness in the hands. Removal of infected tissue may be necessary and is helpful to determine which medicine will help treat the infection.
2. Bite Wound Infection: In human and animal bites, the bacteria from the patient’s own skin and/or the bacteria from the biter’s mouth can be driven into the skin and cause an infection. It is important to seek treatment immediately after a bite to prevent further damage. Whether or not the wound is closed with stitches or left open will depend on a variety of factors, including the location of the bite and severity. Treatments may include gauze packing into the wound, antibiotics, stitches, or surgical drainage.
3. Cellulitis: Cellulitis usually happens around a break or cut in the skin and is the type of infection that can spread quickly throughout the limb or into the bloodstream. It’s important to seek treatment as soon as possible. This skin infection can cause skin redness, warmth, and pain. People with cellulitis may have a fever, chills or feel sick. Your doctor will determine if the infection is restricted to the skin, or if there is a deeper infection.
4. Deep Space Infection: This infection is characterized by a pocket of puss at the base of the thumb, on the palm, or between the fingers. These infections can spread to other areas like the wrist and forearm. The evaluation by your doctor will include an examination and potentially additional tests.
5. Felon: A felon is a painful, throbbing infection in the fingertip often occurring after gardening, nail cutting, or other activities that involve sharp objects near the fingertip. It is important to visit a doctor to prevent further complications such as poor wound healing, stiffness, and pain.
6. Herpetic Whitlow: This is a viral infection of the hand, usually on the fingers, caused by a herpes virus. It is most commonly results in small, swollen blisters that are painful and blood-tinged that last for several weeks.
7. MRSA: MRSA (Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus) is a type of bacteria that is resistant to certain antibiotics. It can come from community places such as gyms, dorms, hospitals, or daycares. Symptoms include lumps similar to boils, sometimes with puss. MRSA can cause serious problems, so seek treatment immediately.
8. Necrotizing Fascitis: Also known as “flesh-eating bacteria,” this is a rare but severe infection. Skin blisters and feeling very ill may be symptoms of this infection. The bacteria enters the body through a cut, where it produces toxins that destroy skin, muscles, organs, and other soft tissue, and results in low blood pressure, high heart rate, and problems with bleeding. It can be life threatening and very severe. Visit the emergency room if you are experiencing symptoms. While rare, these infections have a high chance of amputation and death, which is why it’s important to get treatment as soon as possible.
9. Paronychia: This is an infection of the area around the fingernail. There are two types: Acute and Chronic. In acute paronychia, bacteria cause the skin around the nail to be red, swollen, and tender. Chronic paronychia is usually seen in people whose hands are frequently wet, like dishwashers, or whose immune systems are not working well. The cuticles may be mildly red, swollen, and tender.
10. Septic Arthritis/Osteomyelitis: A wound in or near a joint can cause septic arthritis. This type and location of infection can cause a problem quickly, which is why treatment is urgent. Your doctor may recommend immediate surgical drainage and antibiotics. If treatment is delayed, the bone may become infected or cartilage can be destroyed. It may result in a painful, swollen, stiff joint even after the infection is cured since cartilage cannot heal.
11. Tendon Sheath Infection: This type of infection occurs from a cut or wound in a finger, especially near a joint on the palm side and can cause the canal that the flexor tendon runs through to get infected. You may feel pain or stiffness when trying to straighten the finger and may even feel the tendon pop. The finger will be red, swollen, and tender on the palm side, and the finger often is slightly bent to relieve pressure and pain. Patients with this infection are at risk for severe stiffness or permanent damage to the tendon, so immediate treatment is important.

Learn more about hand infections.