Finger Infection

1. Bacterial Infections 101 Slideshow
2. Staph Infection Slideshow Pictures
3. MRSA Slideshow

• Finger Infection Facts
• What Causes a Finger Infection?
• What Are Risk Factors for Finger Infections?
• What Are Symptoms and Signs of a Finger Infection?
• When Should Someone Seek Medical Care for a Finger Infection?
• How Do Health Care Professionals Diagnose a Finger Infection?
• What Are Home Remedies for Finger Infections?
• What Is the Treatment of a Finger Infection?
• What Types of Doctors Treat Finger Infections?
• What Follow-up Is Needed After Treatment of a Finger Infection?
• What Are Complications of Finger Infections?
• Is It Possible to Prevent a Finger Infection?
• What Is the Prognosis of Finger Infections?
• Finger Infection Pictures

Finger infection is a common problem. Infection can range from mild to serious, potentially causing permanent loss of function of the involved finger. Often these infections start out small and are relatively easy to treat. Failure to properly treat finger infections can result in permanent disability and even loss of the finger.

Early recognition and proper treatment of the following main types of finger infections will help prevent most of the serious outcomes.

• Paronychia: A paronychia is an infection of the finger that involves the tissue at the edges of the fingernail. This nail infection is usually superficial and localized to the soft tissue and skin around the fingernail. This is the most common bacterial infection seen in the hand.
• Felon: A felon is an infection of the fingertip. This infection is located in the fingertip pad and soft tissue associated with it.
• Herpetic whitlow: A herpetic whitlow is an infection of the fingertip area caused by a virus. This is the most common viral infection of the hand. This infection is often misdiagnosed as a paronychia or felon.
• Cellulitis: This is a superficial infection of the skin and underlying tissue. It is usually on the surface and does not involve deeper structures of the hand or finger.
• Infectious flexor tenosynovitis (pyogenic flexor tenosynovitis): This infection involves the tendon sheaths responsible for flexing or closing the hand. This is also a type of deep space infection and more frequently occurs in individuals with underlying suppressed immune systems.
• Deep space infection: This is an infection of one or several deep structures of the hand or fingers, including the tendons, blood vessels, and muscles. Infection may involve one or more of these structures. A collar button abscess is such an infection when it is located in the web space of the fingers.

Must Read Articles Related to Finger Infection

Cellulitis Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the skin and soft tissues that causes swelling, redness, tenderness and warmth. Treatment will involve antibiotics. Sever...learn more >>

Onychomycosis Onychomycosis is an infection of the fingernails and/or toenails by fungus. The infection causes nails to discolor, thicken, and split, which can cause discomfo...learn more >>

Paronychia (Nail Infection) An infection that develops along the edge of the learn more >>

See the Entire Finger Infection Topic Guide »