Felon- acute purulent inflammation of the tissues of the fingers (less often - the legs) from the palmar side or the nail area. Inflammation of the tissues of the fingers on the back of the hand is usually not referred to as panaritium.
According to statistics, adults from 20 to 50 years old are most often ill. Since at this age, microtrauma of the fingers often occurs. Panaritium associated with an injury at work develops in 75% of cases, due to injury in everyday life - 10%. All other cases account for 15%.
Children, due to their activity, are also prone to microtrauma of the fingers.
In right-handers, the fingers of the right hand are most often affected - I, II, III, and in left-handers - the same fingers on the left hand. The development of panaritium, in addition to skin contamination, is facilitated by some local factors:
- exposure to the skin of various irritants, chemicals (quicklime, mineral oils) and metals (zinc, copper, chromium, cobalt)
- frequent hypothermia
- vibration
Often, an increased tendency to develop panaritium is present in some common diseases: diabetes mellitus, vitamin deficiency, changes in metabolism and the functioning of the immune system.
With these ailments, the nutrition of tissues and their blood supply are disturbed. Therefore, it is easier for a pathogen to penetrate through microtraumas on the skin of the fingers and toes.
Anatomical structure of the hand and fingers
They have some features, due to the variety of their functions.finger anatomy
Index (II), middle (III), ring (IV), little finger (V) fingers have three phalanges: the main (first), middle (second) and nail (third).
Thumb(I) consists of two phalanges: main (first) and nail (second).
On each finger, the phalanges are interconnected by joints and ligaments.
Nail
A derivative of the epidermis (outer layer of the skin) that protects the terminal
phalanges of the fingers from damage. It is located in the nail bed, and around it a nail roller is formed from the skin.
The nail has:
- The body is the visible part of the nail.
- The root (nail matrix) is the back part of the nail plate, which is almost completely under the nail fold. At the base of the nail, only a small area of a whitish color of a crescent shape (hole) protrudes.
On the palmar side of the hand, it is dense and inactive. Since it is fused with the palmar aponeurosis (tendon plate located in the middle of the palm).
On the back of the hand, the skin is mobile and elastic.
Subcutaneous fat
On the palmar surface of the hand contains a large number of dense strands. They start from the papillary layer of the skin and go deep into the muscles, periosteum, joints, tendons and bones of the hand.
As a result, bridges are formed that form closed cells filled with fat cells. Therefore, when an inflammatory process occurs, pus does not spread in breadth, but in depth.
On the back surface of the hand, subcutaneous fat is poorly developed.
Blood supply to the fingers
It is carried out by two arteries from the palmar side: radial and ulnar. They are connected to each other in the middle of the palm, forming a deep and superficial palmar arches. Further from them to each finger depart two small branches that feed them.
In addition, from the back side, each finger is supplied with blood by two branches that extend from the dorsal arterial arch.
The dorsal and palmar digital arteries are interconnected, providing a good blood supply to the finger. Therefore, he quickly recovers from injuries. And even with damage to one or even two or three digital arteries.
Innervation of the fingers
It is carried out by the median, ulnar and radial (not in the picture) nerves. From them depart the nerve endings to the fingers.
However, there is one feature: the nerves run along the ligaments, inside the tendon sheaths and under the transverse carpal tunnel ligament (median nerve). Therefore, during inflammatory processes and swelling of these anatomical structures, the nerves are sometimes damaged, quickly dying.
Tendons
Low extensible connective tissue part of the muscles (their continuation). With the help of which they are attached to the bones on the one hand, and on the other hand, they are closely intertwined with the muscles.
Tendon synovial sheaths
Dense almost inextensible connective tissue membranes. They continue from the surface of the muscles to the tendons, enveloping them and forming tunnels of small capacity.
On the palmar surface there are several synovial sheaths:
- II, III and IV fingers isolated. They begin at the base of the first phalanges of the fingers and end at the base of the nail phalanges.
- I finger originates from the base of the radius (bone of the forearm), ending at the base of the nail phalanx.
- V finger starts just above the wrist, then goes to the middle of the palm, where it expands to form a bag. Further, it narrows and reaches the base of the nail phalanx of the little finger.
- There is severe pain.
- Inflammatory fluid or pus quickly goes deep into the underlying tissues and spreads along the tendon sheaths, leading to the formation of complications (phlegmon and others).
- Tendons, vessels and nerve branches are often compressed by the inflammatory fluid, so they can die within 48-72 hours.
Causes of panaritium
The most common panaritium cause staphylococci. Somewhat less often, streptococci, Proteus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and other pathogens lead to its development.Penetrates the infection through small stab wounds on the palmar surface of the skin of the finger on a fish bone, metal shavings, wood chips. Or through abrasions, skin cracks, minor burns, manicure wounds and other minor wounds.
Development mechanism
Since the wounds are small, patients often do not pay attention to them, not treating them on time. And, given the structural features of the skin and the blood supply to the hand, a small wound channel closes very quickly. Therefore, the infection remains in the wound, leading to the formation of an inflammatory fluid (pus).The liquid, not being able to flow out of the wound, rushes deep into the bulkheads of the subcutaneous fat layer. It involves muscles, ligaments, tendons and their sheaths, joints, bones in the inflammatory process.
Symptoms of panaritium
Depending on the location of the injury, as well as the level of damage, there are several varieties of panaritium.
Cutaneous panaritium
Only the skin is affected. Initially, a slight pain and tingling appears at the site of injury. But as the disease progresses, the pain intensifies, becoming constant.Subcutaneous felon
It occurs most often (in 32-35% of cases). The process is located in the subcutaneous fat layer, so in people with thick skin, diagnosis is somewhat difficult.
As a rule, after an injury on the 5-10th day, the first disease symptoms:
- Initially, there is a burning sensation and fullness.
- Then there is a slight throbbing and pulling pain, which increases gradually. It is especially pronounced when lowering the hand down. As the disease progresses, it acquires a pronounced pulsating character, and sometimes even interferes with sleep.
- Locally celebrated swelling (edema) and tension of soft tissues, which extend more to the dorsum of the finger.
- Skin redness rarely observed.
- The body temperature rises and the general condition is disturbed as the process progresses.
This type of panaritium is the most dangerous, since at the beginning of the disease, patients practically do not pay attention to pain. Therefore, the inflammatory fluid is quickly directed deep into: to the tendons, joints and phalanges of the finger.
Or deeper tissues are affected due to poorly performed treatment: a small incision for the outflow of inflammatory fluid, the appointment of antibiotics, to which pathogens are insensitive, and some other reasons.
Tendon panaritium
It develops as a result of injuries or the development of complications with subcutaneous panaritium. Symptoms
- 2-3 hours after injury sharp throbbing pain, aggravated by the slightest movement.
- Fast swelling increases, which can extend both to the back surface of the finger and to the palmar. And in case of damage to the tendon sheaths of the I and V fingers, sometimes it passes to the forearm. The finger at the same time looks like a "sausage".
- The free movement of the finger is disturbed, and it takes a half-bent position.
- The skin turns red(hyperemia).
- As the disease progresses symptoms of intoxication appear: the general condition is disturbed, the body temperature rises, a headache occurs.
- There is pain along the tendon sheath.
Articular panaritium
Purulent inflammation of the joint connecting the phalanges of the fingers or phalanges of the fingers and the bones of the metacarpus. It occurs as a result of a deep penetrating stab wound into the joint cavity or when an infection enters it from a neighboring focus. With this type of panaritium, the phalanges of the finger are often involved in the process, therefore, sometimes it proceeds along with the bone panaritium.
Symptoms
- Severe pain occurs in the place of the affected joint, which sharply increases with the slightest movement of the finger. However, the whole finger often hurts.
- Increasing swelling and redness of the joint but more on the back side. Gradually, they spread to the entire finger.
- Sometimes there are abnormal movements of the finger(movements that are normally absent) and a crunchy sound if the ligaments are involved in the process.
- Gradually symptoms of general intoxication increase: body temperature rises, patients complain of poor general health, nausea, headache, heart palpitations.
Subungual panaritium
It develops as a result of a splinter getting under the nail, an anguish or a bad habit of biting the nails. Symptoms
- Pronounced throbbing pain at the site of injury. Since the focus of inflammation is under the nail plate, and it is motionless.
- Sometimes through the nail plate pus shines through.
- There is swelling and redness periungual roller, and sometimes the fingertip.
- After two or three days the nail plate peels off in a small area, because the pus lifts it. At the same time, the condition of the patients improves somewhat, and the pain decreases.
Paronychia (periungal panaritium)
Inflammation of the periungual skin ridge. It develops as a result of stab wounds, hangnails with skin tears. The process is most often located between the nail plate and the periungual roller (deep form). However, sometimes a superficial form also occurs (only the skin periungual roller is affected).
Symptoms appear on the fourth or sixth, and sometimes on the tenth day after a minor injury:
- Arises severe pain at the site of injury.
- Skin tightens and reddens periungual ridge and nail phalanx.
- At the surface form a strip of pus begins to appear through the skin.
- With deep form inflammatory fluid rushes inward, sometimes affecting the nail. And then, undermined by pus, the nail plate loses its connection with the nail bed and rises. In the future, with the accumulation of pus, a secondary subungual panaritium is formed.
Bone panaritium
Develops infrequently. As a rule, it occurs due to complications of subcutaneous panaritium during the transition of the inflammatory process from soft tissues to hard ones. Primarily formed rarely. First symptoms appear 3-14 days after infection:
- pain(main feature) pronounced at the site of the lesion, which decreases with the appearance of a fistula
- edema develops whole finger
- phalanx takes the form of a spindle
- general condition suffers: body temperature rises, patients complain of general malaise, headache appears
- skin turns red at the site of injury
- Lymph nodes and blood vessels may become inflamed(especially if the infection affects the joints, tendons and their vaginas, bones). Therefore, they increase and become painful.
- Often, with any kind of panaritium, quite quickly growing signs of general intoxication: body temperature rises to 38-39C, patients complain of poor general health, nausea, headache, heart palpitations.
Scheme of zones of maximum pain in various types of panaritium
Treatment of panaritium Previously, it was believed that the treatment of panaritium is only a surgical method (surgery). However, now surgeons have a slightly different attitude to this issue: the approach depends on the type of panaritium and the stage of the disease. Treatment Goals
- Complete and permanent elimination of the inflammatory process, as well as minimizing dysfunction of the finger.
- Preventing the development of complications:
- phlegmon of the hand (diffuse purulent inflammation of fatty tissue)
- fusion of the joints, damage to all tissues of the finger (pandactylitis)
- the development of sepsis (the entry of pyogenic microorganisms into the blood)
- thrombosis of vessels supplying the tendon with its subsequent necrosis (necrosis)
- osteomyelitis (purulent process in the bone) and others
Treatment of panaritium
How to treat subcutaneous felon?
Principles- At home, treatment is possible only at the initial stage of the disease: when the pain is not expressed, there is no swelling of soft tissues or it is insignificant. However, if there are ailments (diabetes mellitus, disorders in the immune system, and others) that obviously lead to the development of complications, then you should consult a doctor at the first signs of the disease. When starting home treatment, it is important to remember that there is a possibility of infection spreading deep into the underlying tissues.
- Conservative treatment(without surgery) is performed if at the site of the lesion there is only an infiltrate (seal) or an inflammatory fluid in the focus of inflammation is serous (transparent, sometimes with a slightly yellowish tinge).
- The operation (opening the panaritium) is carried out if:
- treatment without surgery for one to two days did not contribute to the regression of signs of the disease
- pus formed in the focus
- after the first sleepless night of the patient due to pain - this indicates that the purulent focus has already formed
Conservative treatment
| Treatment method | Mode of application | Expected effect |
| Prescription of antibiotics to which pathogens are sensitive | Intramuscularly, intravenously or orally. The dose and frequency of administration depends on the selected drug, its form and the general condition of the patient. | Depending on the method of administration, after 12-18 hours or by the end of the first day after the start of taking the drug, improvement occurs. First of all, pain is reduced and general well-being improves. |
| Cold at the site of inflammation | An ice pack or cold water is applied topically three to four times a day for 20 to 30 minutes. | The development of the inflammatory reaction stops, pain and swelling decrease. |
| Ichthyol ointment 10% | It is applied in the form of a cake (strip 2 cm) to the site of the lesion and covered with a gauze napkin under a bandage. The application is changed every 8-10 hours. | The ointment locally somewhat irritates the skin, so almost immediately after applying the bandage there is a feeling of warmth. The ointment penetrates deeply into the tissues, providing an anti-inflammatory effect and improving blood circulation. Therefore, it reduces pain and local swelling. In addition, it fights locally with pathogens, accelerating recovery. |
| Salt baths | A tablespoon of salt dissolves in 200 ml of water. The procedure lasts 20-30 minutes. It must be carried out 2-3 times a day. Applied warm. | Reduces local inflammation and has an antimicrobial effect, thereby reducing swelling and pain. |
| UHF | It is prescribed once a day, provided that there are no symptoms of general intoxication and after a decrease in local inflammation (swelling, pain). The number of procedures is from 3 to 7. The duration of one procedure is 5-20 minutes. | Reduces pain and inflammation, improves local circulation and metabolism. With a favorable course of the disease and the timely start of the main treatment, improvement occurs after the first procedure. |
| Nimesil, Aertal, Ibuprufen, Diclofenac | As a rule, they are prescribed twice a day. | Suppress the inflammatory response, reduce pain and swelling. |
With timely treatment and proper treatment, as well as the fulfillment by the patient of all medical prescriptions, as a rule, in 65-70% of cases it is possible to prevent the formation of pus and avoid surgical intervention.
After the symptoms of the disease subside, it is necessary that the patient be under the supervision of a surgeon for another one or two days.
How to treat subungual panaritium?
Only through surgery. Since the use of folk remedies, drugs (antibiotics, anti-inflammatory), baths and ointments is ineffective. Moreover, if the surgeon is not contacted in time, damage to the phalanx bone is possible.How to treat tendon panaritium?
Principles- Not carried out at home. Since the development of a large number of complications is possible.
- Conservative treatment is carried out within 8-24 hours from the onset of the disease- before the formation of pus in the focus of inflammation. Since within 42-72 hours necrosis (necrosis) of the tendon may occur.
- Panaritium is opened(an operation is performed), if after 2-3 punctures the patient's condition does not improve or, on the contrary, it worsens:
- signs of intoxication appear or increase (body temperature rises, general condition and other symptoms are disturbed)
- pain becomes unbearable and swelling increases
- the patient spends the first sleepless night
Treatment without surgery
It is carried out only in a hospital setting.| Treatment method | Mode of application | Expected effect |
| Broad-spectrum antibiotics are prescribed | Intramuscularly, intravenously or orally. The dosage and frequency of administration depends on the selected drug and its form, as well as the general condition of the patient. | Fights pathogens. With a timely appointment, improvement occurs after 12-24 hours. |
| Locally cold | An ice pack or cold water pack is applied three to four times a day for 20 to 30 minutes. | Inflammation in the affected tissues, pain and swelling are reduced. |
| Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: Nimesil, Diclofenac | Twice a day inside. The dosage depends on the drug chosen for treatment. | Reduce swelling, pain and inflammation in the lesion. |
| The tendon sheath is punctured | Using a needle, the surgeon penetrates the cavity of the tendon sheath, and then removes the inflammatory fluid. Then he washes the cavity of the tendon sheath with an antibiotic solution or an enzyme (trypsin, chymotrypsin). | With timely treatment and a favorable course of the disease, improvement occurs after 4-8 hours (pain and symptoms of intoxication decrease). |
Important!
Conservative treatment of tendinous panaritium is ineffective, therefore, it is often opened immediately. Since the process progresses very quickly, leading to the development of complications: thrombosis of the vessels that feed the tendon, followed by its necrosis.
That is why at the very first signs of the disease (and preferably immediately after the injury), it is necessary to consult a surgeon.
How to treat periungual panaritium?
Principles- Treatment at home possible only on the surface.
- Treatment without surgery carried out when there is local compaction.
- Periungual panaritium is opened, if pus has formed in the focus or after the first sleepless night of the patient due to pain.
How to treat articular panaritium?
Principles- Home treatment is ineffective, so it is not carried out.
- Treatment without surgery is possible only in the first hours of the onset of the disease, but it often does not give a positive result.
- The surgical method is preferred it is carried out:
- if there is no improvement within 12-24 hours from the start of treatment without surgery
- when the tendons and their sheaths are affected
- the presence of signs of purulent inflammation (redness and swelling of the joint)
- there is damage to the ligaments, cartilage and bones
- severe pain that even painkillers do not relieve
Basically correspond to that which is carried out with tendon panaritium.
However there are some differences:
The injured joint is punctured (pierced) with subsequent removal of the inflammatory fluid from its cavity. Next, the joint cavity is washed with an antibiotic solution or an enzyme (Trypsin, Chymotrypsin). Improvement occurs after a few hours or by the end of the first day: pain decreases, body temperature drops, and so on.
Important!
It should be remembered that treatment without surgery is effective only in the first hours of the disease. Therefore, it is necessary to seek medical attention immediately after an injury.
How to treat bone panaritium?
Surgically (opening or removing the phalanx of the finger). Since the appointment of only antibiotics, the use of compresses, baths and ointments is ineffective. Moreover, it is fraught with the development of numerous complications.How is panaritium opened (operation)?
Surgical intervention is in most cases the main method of treatment for panaritium.
Most often performed under local anesthesia according to Lukashevich-Oberst:
- Below the needle insertion site, a thin tourniquet is applied at the base of the finger.
- On the lateral surface of the main phalanx, a needle is punctured, which is advanced towards the bone.
- Having reached the bone, the needle is pulled back 1-2 mm and 2 ml of 2% Lidocaine solution (most often) or another local anesthetic is injected.
- The same manipulations are carried out on the opposite side of the finger.
Opening of the subcutaneous panaritium
- With longitudinal cuts(along the finger) the course of the stab wound is fully revealed if the process is located on the first or second phalanx of the finger. This method is preferred.
- With damage to the nail phalanx an oval or semi-oval incision is made(stick-shaped), stepping back from the nail 2-3 millimeters. With this access, the sensitivity of the fingertips is preserved, and the formation of a subsequently forked finger (“fish mouth”) is also prevented. However, this method is rarely resorted to, and recently it has been completely abandoned.
Opening of the tendon panaritium
It is performed under general anesthesia (if the process has switched to the hand) or local anesthesia according to Lukashevich-Oberst (if only the finger is affected). Incisions for tendinous panaritium
- In case of damage to the tendons of the II, III and IV fingers, incisions are made on the anterolateral surface of the finger. If the synovial sheath is also involved in the process, then an additional longitudinal incision is made along its course.
- With inflammation of the tendons of the I and V fingers, paired incisions are made on the main (lower) phalanx. Next, their tendon sheaths are opened.
Opening of the subungual panaritium
Incisions for subungual panaritium depends on the location of the lesion of the nail:- Wedge-shaped excised edge of the nail plate scissors during the formation of pus at the free edge of the nail (for example, with suppuration around a splinter).
- The nail is opened (trepanned) directly above the place of accumulation of pus(for example, in the center).
- The root of the nail plate is removed, if pus has accumulated only at its base, but there is no detachment of the rest of the nail.
- The nail plate is removed if it is completely festering and exfoliated from the nail bed.
Whatever method of treatment of the subungual panaritium is chosen, the nail bed is not scraped so as not to damage the growth zone. Opening of the periungual panaritium
Incisions for periungual panaritium depend on its shape.
- superficial. Opens on its own in most cases. However, if this did not happen, then when pus appears, the panaritium is opened without affecting the nail plate.
- Deep. The affected part of the nail is removed.
Opening of the articular panaritium
It is performed under local anesthesia on the back of the hand using two parallel lateral incisions. If the articular cartilage or bone is affected, then areas of necrosis (dead tissue) are carefully and economically removed in order to preserve the growth zones as much as possible.
Opening of the bone panaritium
It is carried out, as with subcutaneous panaritium, but taking into account the presence of fistulas:- incisions on the anterolateral surface of the finger with lesions of the first and second phalanx
- incisions on the nail phalanx in the form of an arc or stick
After opening any felon or tendon sheath
The resulting cavity is washed with a solution of an antibiotic, antiseptic (usually Betadine) or enzymes (Trypsin, Chymotrypsin).
No sutures are applied to the postoperative wound.
However, the opened cavity is drained (the contents are drained from the wound) using rubber strips or special polyvinyl tubes with numerous holes (very convenient for washing the opened cavities if necessary). The drainage tube or rubber strip is removed on the fourth or fifth day.
After operation a dry sterile gauze bandage is applied to the wound.
Further the wound is dressed daily using a sterile gauze bandage soaked in ointment (Betadin, Gentamicin, Levomikol) or an antiseptic until complete healing. Sometimes a biological dressing is used (contains collagen and serum from healthy donors). The choice of the drug for dressings depends on the severity of the general condition of the patient, the massiveness of the surgical intervention, as well as the capabilities of the medical institution. This tactic contributes to the rapid healing of the wound and the prevention of scarring.
In the postoperative period, it is important create peace for finger and hand. Therefore, as a rule, the finger is fixed with a plaster splint (a strip of several layers of a plaster bandage). And the hand is immobilized (rest is created) with the help of a special bandage or dressing.
In addition, in the postoperative period, drugs that improve local blood circulation in small vessels (Pentilin) and immunostimulants (for example, Methyluracil) have proven themselves well.
In the process of wound healing (usually on the third or fourth day after the operation), UVR and UHF are prescribed (from 3 to 7 procedures).
How to treat panaritium of the toes?
Panaritium on the toe develops somewhat less frequently. The periungual roller (paronychia) is most often affected or the subungual panaritium develops.The reasons are scuffs due to uncomfortable shoes, puncture with a sharp object, and others.
The principles of treatment for panaritium of the toes are exactly the same as for panaritium of the fingers. It all depends on the type of panaritium itself.
What are the alternative methods of treatment of panaritium?
Remember!Only subcutaneous, dermal and periungual (surface form) felon can be treated with herbs, compresses and baths. But only at the first signs of the disease. Moreover, it is necessary to start treatment as early as possible - and then the probability of avoiding surgery is quite high. And with the progression of the disease, it is better to consult a doctor as soon as possible.
Bone, articular and tendon panaritium cannot be treated only by folk methods, since this is fraught with the development of formidable complications (phlegmon and others).
Folk treatment panaritium
| Treatment method | Method of preparation and use | How it works |
| Salt baths | Dissolve 100 grams of dry table salt in a liter of water. Then dip your finger into the resulting solution. The duration of the procedure is 20-30 minutes. Multiplicity - 2-3 times a day. Applied warm. | Promotes the reverse development of the inflammatory process, reduces pain and swelling, fights pathogens. |
| Compresses with baked onions | A small onion is peeled and baked in the oven until soft. Then it is cut in half, applied to the site of inflammation in a warm form and a bandage is applied. Compress change every 4-5 hours. | They will accelerate the maturation of the abscess, and also contributes to the release of pus to the outside. |
| Aloe leaf compress | The aloe leaf is peeled, and the resulting pulp is applied to the panaritium. Compress time - 5-6 hours (it is possible for the night). | Reduces the inflammatory process. |
What antibiotics to take for panaritium?
In the treatment of panaritium, antibiotics are always prescribed, regardless of the chosen treatment tactics: with or without surgery. This is due to the fact that the likelihood of a rapid development of complications is high.Preference is given to broad-spectrum antibiotics.
Cephalosporins
- I generation: Cefalexin (by mouth), Cefazolin (intramuscularly or intravenously)
- II generation: Cefaclor, Cefuroxime (by mouth), Cefamandol (intravenously or intramuscularly)
- III generation: Ceftriaxone (intravenously or intramuscularly) and others
How to treat panaritium at home (folk methods + ointments from a pharmacy)
Treatment of subcutaneous, cutaneous and periungual (superficial form) panaritium is possible at home. But if it is started at the first signs of the disease, when the general condition has not yet been disturbed, there is no pronounced pain, swelling and redness. To do this, you can use home methods and ointments from a pharmacy.All other types of panaritium at home are not recommended to be treated, since the risk of complications is high.
Ointments for panaritium, prepared at home
- Take in equal parts medical tar, pine resin, homemade butter, flower honey and soft part of aloe. Place all ingredients in a glass or enamel bowl. Next, melt them until a homogeneous mass is obtained over a water bath.
- Pass dry marigold flowers through a coffee grinder or carefully grind into dust by hand. Next, mix with homemade butter in a ratio of 1 (calendula): 5 (butter). Apply a little of the resulting ointment to a gauze and put under a bandage at night.
- At the onset of the disease before the formation of pus or opening of panaritium, Ichthyol 10% ointment is used.
- After opening(independently or surgically) ointments containing antibiotics or antiseptics are used: Levomikol, Levasin, Betadine or Gentamicin ointment.
The skin of our hands is very delicate, and wounds, cracks and cuts often appear on it, into which various kinds of infection can easily get. As a result, there are many different ailments, one of the most common is panaritium.
Panaritium is an inflammation of the skin on the arms and legs, which is very often accompanied by the appearance of purulent discharge. The main places of localization of this disease are:
- skin on hands and feet;
- tendons;
- joints;
- nails;
- bones.
In medical practice, there are two large types of felons: superficial and deep. Superficial panaritiums arise from the outside, and in turn are divided into:
- cutaneous;
- periungual panaritium or paronychia.
Deep panaritiums are formed inside under the skin and are also divided into the following types:
- subungual;
- subcutaneous;
- articular;
- tendinous;
- bone panaritium.
Very often, people do not pay attention to the wounds that have arisen on their hands and do not properly treat them with antiseptic agents. As a result of this, a panaritium of the finger appears on the hand. Immediately after the onset of the disease, we begin to worry about the question of how to treat panaritium. This is done in order to quickly get rid of it and prevent it from developing into a chronic form.
Treatment of this disease should begin at the initial stage of its occurrence. To do this, you should contact a medical institution where a qualified doctor, after a certain series of procedures, will prescribe the correct and effective course of treatment.
Therapy will focus on:
- getting rid of inflammatory processes;
- restoration of impaired functions of the fingers or toes;
- avoiding the appearance of purulent formations;
- prevention of sepsis.
This disease can be diagnosed after examining the affected areas by the surgeon. If there is a suspicion of internal felons, x-rays are prescribed, as well as a blood test that can reveal inflammatory processes occurring in the human body. Methods of treatment depend on the location and stage of development of the disease.
Subcutaneous
It is allowed to treat subcutaneous panaritium at home only at the initial stage of the onset of the disease, when there is no severe swelling of the tissues and the pain is insignificant. However, you need to be careful, because bacteria could get inside and start tissue damage.
Often they use a conservative method of getting rid of the disease, which includes a number of activities that help to overcome subcutaneous panaritium as quickly as possible.
For this, antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed, which help reduce pain and improve the general condition of the patient. The following drugs are widely used:
- ciprofloxacin;
- ceftriaxone;
- nimesil;
- aertal;
Panaritiums are also treated with 10% ichthyol ointment. Quickly penetrating the skin, it improves blood flow and relieves inflammation. The ointment should be smeared with a thick layer, and wrapped with a bandage. It is recommended to wear such an overlay no more than 10 hours.
In addition to drugs, subcutaneous felon is treated using cold compresses. Apply them to the affected area several times a day, for 20 minutes, they help relieve swelling and relieve pain.
Salt baths
The use of salt baths will help relieve inflammation. To prepare the solution in a glass of warm water, dissolve a tablespoon of table salt, then carry out the manipulation twice a day, for 30 minutes.
Physiotherapeutic procedures are also used, namely UHF. They help reduce pain, improve blood circulation and metabolism.
With timely treatment and the implementation of the above measures, in most cases it is possible to cure subcutaneous felon without surgery.
Paronychia
Paronychia is an inflammation that occurs along the edge of the nail plate. According to statistics, paronychia is a female disease. The main cause of the onset of the disease can be an incorrectly performed manicure, and burrs on the periungual roller.
With the timely detection of the disease, treatment begins with the use of hand baths using soda, calendula and potassium permanganate. At the same time, antiseptics are used, which can be purchased at any pharmacy. This may be Vishnevsky's ointment and Chlorhexedine solution. When paronychia was caused by various kinds of bacteria, a course of antibiotics is prescribed to get rid of them.
Common drugs are:
- Clindamycin;
- Erythromycin;
- Ciprofloxacin;
- Ceftazidime.
The surgical method of treatment is used mainly when the inflammatory process from the roller has passed under the nail. For the operation, local anesthesia is used, and then a panaritium is opened near the nail and the damaged nail plate is removed. The wound is well treated and bandaged with synthomycin or furatsilin ointments. After a certain time, a new and healthy nail will grow.
Paronychia can quickly turn into a chronic form of the course of the disease, in which case it is necessary to avoid prolonged exposure of hands to water, as well as contact with detergents and chemicals on the skin.
Bone
Bone panaritium is not very common, but when it occurs it causes many problems and can lead to unpleasant consequences. The cause of the appearance is an infection that damages tissues and passes to the bone. Bone panaritium is treated mainly by surgical methods, since the use of compresses, baths is inappropriate and ineffective.
In order to prevent amputation of the phalanx, an operation is performed in which the area where the bone panaritium has formed is opened, cleaned of dead tissue and suppuration, and then drainage is placed. The drainage system is used to further wash the wound in order to speed up the healing process as much as possible.
At the end of the surgical procedure, a sterile dressing pre-lubricated with ointments is applied to the treated area, such as:
- Betadine;
- Gentamicin;
- Levomikol.
The period of treatment, which allows you to completely overcome the bone panaritium, is from 3 to 6 weeks.
On foot
This disease occurs on the legs much less often than on the hands. Treatment of panaritiums on the toe occurs in the same way as on the hands, and largely depends on the type and degree of development of the disease. The main site of localization of the disease is the area of the thumb. This disease occurs due to wearing uncomfortable shoes, which leads to skin injury.
Folk methods
Treatment of felons can also occur at home using folk methods. Before using them, you must definitely consult a doctor, since improper use can lead to a negative result. In folk treatment, there are many different recipes that are used in the form of lotions, compresses and baths.
Aloe
Take a leaf of the plant, wash it well with water and cut off the thorns from it. The resulting pulp must be well rubbed to get a gruel with aloe juice. The resulting mixture must be applied to the affected area, it will help relieve the inflammatory process.
And you can also use lotions with aloe juice. Squeeze the juice from the leaves of the plant and soak cotton wool in it, then apply it to the place where panaritium is formed.
Celandine
Put one spoonful of celandine grass in a saucepan and pour half a liter of warm boiled water. Place on the stove, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for another 15 minutes. Remove the solution and cool a little, after which you can take baths with it. Keep the affected finger in the decoction for 15 minutes, do this manipulation 3-4 times a day.
Eucalyptus
Purchase eucalyptus tincture in a pharmacy, then dilute two teaspoons in a liter of hot water and use the resulting solution in the form of baths.
Dry eucalyptus grass is also used, decoctions are prepared from it. To do this, two teaspoons are poured over the floor with a liter of water and boiled over low heat for 10 minutes. After cooling, immerse your finger in the solution and hold for about 15 minutes. It is advisable to perform this procedure three times a day.
Onion
A whole onion must be peeled, and then baked or boiled in milk. After cooking, divide the vegetable in half and apply to the place where the felon is formed, be sure to fix it with a bandage. After four hours, change the bandage. This procedure contributes to the maturation of panaritium.
Beet
Grate the beets, add one tablespoon of sour cream to it and mix everything well. The resulting mixture is applied in a small layer on the inflamed area and wrapped on top with a bandage. Such a compress is done at night, it will help draw out the pus.
Prevention
There are a number of preventive measures that will help avoid the onset of the disease. The main ones are:
- hygiene of hands and feet, they should always be clean;
- the right choice of soap care products that should not dry out the skin;
- do not use other people's manicure devices;
- when doing manicure and pedicure, try not to injure the periungual roller;
- treat wounds and cuts with antiseptics;
- use rubber gloves when working around the house or garden, they will help protect your hands from injury.
The main thing to remember is the timely detection of the disease will help to quickly get rid of it. The treatment will take place with the help of ointments, compresses and tinctures, this will not allow the panaritium to move to a more difficult stage and it will not have to be opened.
Microbes, penetrating into soft tissues, entail the appearance of pathogenic microflora. Against this background, various purulent inflammations, abscesses develop, which cause discomfort and pain to a person. One such common disease is panaritium, which occurs on the fingers and toes. The infection is not dangerous to health, however, with complications, amputation of a part of the body is possible. If diagnostics and treatment are started in time, then panaritium can be disposed of with the help of medicines or traditional medicine without aggravating consequences.
Panaritium is localized in the soft tissues near the nail plate, most often in the region of the first phalanx of the finger. If measures are not taken in time, the infection, in addition to soft tissues, can affect tendons, bones, joints and cause pathological processes, necrosis. In the most dangerous cases, there is a high risk of pandactylitis - a purulent lesion of the hand, as well as subcutaneous tissue and other internal structures. With such a disease, a person can lose his arm.
The main causative agents of panaritium are bacteria and microbes that enter the skin and deep tissues through fresh wounds, cuts, scratches, abrasions and skin defects.
Splinters or foreign bodies also cause this disease.
Attention! Staphylococcus aureus is the most dangerous. This gram-positive bacterium can live in the skin and mucous membranes of the respiratory tract for a long time without signs of life. Its strains are resistant to all groups of medicines, so they are difficult to treat and are considered pathogenic.
Often the causes of panaritium on the fingers are:
- dirty skin;
- exposure to irritating chemical elements (zinc, cobalt, quicklime and natural oils);
- hypothermia and frequent hypothermia;
- sloppy manicure, cuticle damage;
- anemia;
- infection during surgery.
As a result, there is a violation of the protective function of the immune system, deterioration of blood circulation and tissue nutrition with useful substances. Very often, an increased tendency to develop the disease is observed with beriberi, metabolic disorders, diabetes mellitus and various endocrine diseases. Against the background of other diseases and infections, the panaritium virus is much easier to get into a weakened body.
Predisposing factors
Despite the fact that panaritium is caused by gram-negative Staphylococcus aureus, it can appear as a result of streptococcus, Escherichia coli, strains of putrefactive infection and anaerobic microorganisms that affect muscle and connective tissue.
The following factors can lead to the occurrence of a focus of inflammation and the development of a disease on the finger:
- injuries of the upper extremities, in which blood circulation and the connection of tissues with the central nervous system are disturbed;
- chronic diseases leading to immunodeficiency;
- insufficient disinfection of damaged tissues;
- the presence in the body of another infection;
- microcracks.
Attention! A favorable environment for the development of infections can be tight shoes made of synthetic materials, which do not give the toes free space, squeeze them and prevent the blood from circulating properly in the vessels.
Classification
Depending on the pathology and nature of the course of the inflammatory process, panaritiums are classified into several types. The substance contained in the abscess may be serous (edematous) or purulent in nature. This affects the course of the whole disease.
Given the symptoms and localization of the focus of inflammation, there are the following forms of hand diseases:
- Skin - characterized by profuse redness, swelling, burning and severe pain in the area of the abscess. It mainly occurs on the site of the nail plate.
- Subcutaneous - appears on the palmar surface of the fingers as a result of injuries, scratches, wounds. The site of inflammation swells and hurts, pigmentation of the skin is observed.
- Periungual - most common in girls who have done sloppy manicure. A purulent formation is located near the nail. Accompanied by soft tissue pain, swelling and redness.
- Subungual - occurs on the finger at the site of the bruise, where a bruise appears. Pain, swelling and redness are also present.
- Bone - the cause of the appearance can be subcutaneous panaritium with complications, the inflammatory process of which passes to the bone. Also, the infection can get into the internal tissues as a result of an open fracture of the finger. One of the most painful types is accompanied by fever, increased heart rate, and weakness.
- Articular - occurs as a result of bone panaritium. It develops in the interphalangeal or metacarpophalangeal joints. The symptoms are the same as in the previous species, with the addition of difficult flexion of the joints.
- Tendon - purulent process begins to develop as a result of tendon injuries. Characterized by acute pain, swelling and swelling of the injury site.
Timely detection of the disease will help to quickly get rid of the disease without surgical intervention.
The most dangerous tendon form. This is due to the fact that the purulent content spreads through the tendon sheaths, passes to the muscles, tissues of the hands and forearms. As a result, destruction of bone tissue, necrosis of the finger and damaged tendons.
Initial symptoms of the disease
In the initial stages, panaritium on the finger manifests itself sharply and painfully. The following symptoms appear:
- pain, aggravated by pressure;
- pulsation at the site of the abscess;
- redness and swelling of the phalanges of the fingers;
- the skin becomes smooth and radiant;
- the temperature rises;
- ulcers are visible through the skin;
- there is weakness, chills.
With these symptoms, you should immediately consult a doctor who will help prevent the development of the disease and the transition to the next, more serious stage.
Clinical manifestations at the stage of complication of the disease
The amplitude of the movement of the finger decreases, its sensitivity sharply decreases. The pain becomes unbearable and burning. This interferes with normal life, significantly restricts movement.
In the absence of treatment and neglect, complications appear:
- inflammation of the lymph nodes (lymphadenitis) as a result of the spread of the disease to the blood vessels and organs of the lymphatic system;
- loss of functionality of damaged fingers;
- pathological processes, including necrosis of ligaments and tendons;
- pandactylitis as the most severe form of panaritium requiring amputation;
- infectious inflammation of the constituent parts of the bone tissue;
- infection of the body with pyogenic bacteria, sepsis.
To prevent such consequences, it is necessary to engage in treatment at the initial stages of the development of the disease.
Panaritium of the finger in children
Children love to bite their nails, put dirty fingers into their mouths, bite off the skin around the nail plate, which is dangerous for them. Other factors in childhood include:
- high risk of mechanical injury during games or walks on playgrounds;
- lack of personal hygiene;
- instability of the immune system and the body's susceptibility to viral diseases with complications.
Parents are obliged to be very attentive to the health of their children, to prevent interaction with foreign objects. After walking and before eating, the child should wash their hands with soap and water. Wounds and cuts should be treated with hydrogen peroxide or other disinfectants. At the first symptoms and signs of panaritium, you should immediately consult a doctor.
This disease in children appears mainly on the back or palmar side of the nail, on the nail ridges. Children have the following symptoms:
- redness, swelling, hyperthermia;
- a bubble with purulent contents in the center of inflammation;
- pain;
- enlargement of the lymph nodes.
The development of the disease may be due to injuries received in the following cases:
- during childbirth;
- with ingrown nails;
- when cutting nails;
- for accidental cuts.
In children, a superficial form of the disease (skin or periungual panaritium) is more often manifested. The defeat of the deep layers of the skin, tendons and bones happens only because of the lack of treatment.
Treatment tactics: basic principles
Panaritium in any form of manifestation requires immediate treatment. The tactics of treating the disease depends on the nature of the course of the inflammatory process. Depending on the methods of treatment, there may be several of them:
- medicinal preparations;
- physiotherapy methods;
- surgical intervention.
Medical therapy
Drug treatment is the most common because it does not require a hospital stay and is done at home.
Attention! Conservative methods are effective only in the first days of the disease. With each subsequent day, these chances decrease, and the need for surgery increases.
This therapy includes:
- ointments;
- antibiotics;
- lotions.
Panaritium can be treated with ointments, the most famous of which is Vishnevsky's ointment. This is a remedy that has been proven by many generations and is used to treat purulent-septic skin diseases.
Ichthyol ointment is also used. This is an external anti-inflammatory and antiseptic agent used to treat various infectious and inflammatory diseases of the skin. Has a disinfectant effect.
Tetracycline ointment is effective only in the initial stages of the disease. The affected area is lubricated several times a day for greater effectiveness.
As for antibiotics, in some cases their use can be dangerous for humans. Their independent incorrect appointment entails a lot of side effects. In addition, the causative agents of panaritium on the finger are gram-positive bacteria of Staphylococcus aureus, which are resistant to many types of antibiotics.
Only a doctor can prescribe these strong drugs. It is better to use them not for treatment, but to identify an infectious agent before the first signs.
Antibacterial ointment Levomekol is prescribed in the first stages for external use. In more complex cases, antibiotics are taken orally or through intramuscular injection.
List of strong antibiotics:
- Levofloxacin (drug for infusion therapy).
- Amoxiclav (a combined antibacterial agent that combines a bactericidal antibiotic and clavulanic acid).
- Ciprofloxacin (an antibacterial drug in the form of tablets).
- Ceftriaxone (powder for injection).
Lotions based on various drugs are another effective way to deal with abscesses. You can moisten the affected area with copper sulfate (a pinch of powder for 1 glass of water), potassium permanganate with salt or herbal tinctures.
Such methods are not always effective, especially if they are carried out without consulting a specialist. Self-medication can only worsen the general condition and provoke the progression of the disease.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapeutic methods of treatment are an additional tool for the complex therapy of serious diseases. These include ultraviolet irradiation, thermal procedures, UHF therapy (exposure to the body of a high-frequency electromagnetic field), treatment with ultrasonic waves.
If there is no positive effect from such methods, then panaritium should be treated only surgically.
Surgery
Surgery is the most effective method. In mild cases, the patient is at home, but if the deep layers of the skin are affected, hospitalization is necessary.
During the operation, a purulent formation is opened. The main thing is to prevent the contents from leaking from the fiber into the subcutaneous cavity. The shape of panaritium and the degree of tissue damage play an important role. With partial destruction, a part of the skin is removed, and with bone and articular types, amputation is possible.
Together with the operation, drug therapy is carried out using antibiotics to reduce inflammation and pain.
Prevention methods
Preventive measures include:
- personal hygiene;
- timely disinfection of wounds and cuts;
- taking antiseptics, using antibacterial wipes and gels;
- the use of gloves during repair, gardening and other work;
- use of disinfected manicure instruments.
In general, you should be careful, avoid cuts and treat emerging diseases in time, against which panaritium can develop.
A small wound or scratch on the finger most often remains invisible to the eye. Sometimes such an insignificant thing leads to unpleasant and dangerous diseases. When microbes enter the cut, panaritium of the finger on the hand occurs. Treatment in such cases requires immediate and high-quality.
Diseases occur mainly in people engaged in vigorous activities, physical activity. More than half of the cases are related to work-related injuries. Naturally, any scratch will not develop into panaritium. But there are factors due to which purulent inflammation occurs in the wound. They can be both diabetes mellitus and impaired blood circulation. Weakened immunity, immunodeficiency in the first place aggravate the situation. And a fungus or an ingrown nail are the main reasons due to which pus enters the subcutaneous tissue.
Symptoms and signs of finger panaritium
Inflammation appears through infection with bacteria and pathogenic microbes: Proteus, streptococcus, staphylococcus, enterococcus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Pathogenic microflora gives them the right to life. The disease takes edematous and purulent forms. The latter are localized on the upper phalanges of the fingers and spread deep into the hand.
Visible to the naked eye signs of the disease - redness and swelling as a result of injury. In addition to pain (most often expressed in "shooting", throbbing or a feeling of fullness), inflammation occurs, and the mobility of the finger stops. The general condition of a person can be described by fever, malaise, chills.
Types of panaritium
The disease has two types - superficial and subcutaneous panaritium of the finger.
In turn, they are divided into types:
- cutaneous;
- subcutaneous;
- subungual;
- periungual.
In a milder case, local symptoms predominate. Redness with yellowish vesicles affects part of the arm.
The deep form affects not only in external manifestations, but also in the state of the body as a whole.
As it penetrates under the skin, panaritium is isolated:
- tendinous;
- articular;
- bone;
- pandactylitis.
surface views
Cutaneous panaritium occurs on the back of the finger, the skin turns red, suppuration begins near the nail, lifting the stratum corneum. The process is accompanied by a couple of unpleasant yellow bubbles, blood flow increases. There is a burning sensation. An increase in the blister indicates the progression and transition of the disease to a new level.
Shooting pain under the fingertip gives a signal of development subcutaneous felon. The resulting pus now does not break out, the inflammation passes into the subcutaneous fat, from where it can capture the joints, tendons, and in advanced forms - the bones.
The entire blow is taken by the distal phalanx of the finger. The pain gradually increases, a feeling of pulsating veins in the palms, swelling is created. The temperature is above 37 degrees and weakness are only the initial signs of the disease, which are easier to defeat than regional lymphadenitis. The pathology of the lymph nodes causes severe diseases. Herpes, tuberculosis, syphilis, lymphomas are asymptomatic at first, and doctors consider lymphadenitis to be one of the pathogens. To avoid any trouble, you should go to the hospital.
In the process of creating a beautiful manicure, minor and almost invisible injuries often occur. Common hangnail provokes paronychia (periungal panaritium). The periungual roller becomes inflamed, the infection exfoliates the nail and seeps under it. The skin around the nail swells, swells and hurts at any slight touch. With a strong flow of pus, located under the nail plate. In just 10-14 days it takes to transform into a chronic form. During this time, you need to have time to take actions that prohibit the disease from developing.
Having bruised or splintered a nail, it is easy to earn a disease such as subungual panaritium. A hematoma occurs on the finger, giving the development of infection. You should go to the hospital as soon as possible, avoiding severe suppuration.
Subcutaneous panaritium of the finger
In another way it is called deep. It affects the tendon sheath, and then the entire ligamentous apparatus of the finger. Purulent exudate gives impetus to an increase in pressure, which indicates the appearance of terrible pain and necrosis of the tendon. The joints are half bent due to the lack of motor function in the fingers.
At articular panaritium the entire joint cavity is infected. The hand swells, causing unbearable pain. The disease occurs less frequently than others, but requires immediate treatment by a surgeon. Weakness, fever, lymphadenitis are the companions of the panaritium of the joint.
Distribution area bone panaritium- bone, where inflammation passes from soft tissues. The capillaries are clogged, as a result of which bone tissue is destroyed. The lesion falls on the phalanx of the nail, exfoliation of the periosteum increases pain and reduces movement to a minimum. Poor health in general. With the necrosis of bone tissue, the process becomes chronic.
pandactylitis- the most severe form of panaritium. Open injuries and neglected superficial panaritium complicate the disease. The ligamentous apparatus of the finger is completely affected - an increase, deformation of the skin, subcutaneous tissue, joints, bones and tendons. Crimson skin is stretched, blood circulation is disturbed. The finger thickens several times, motor activity ceases to manifest itself. General hyperthermia, fistulas, pus speak of an immediate visit to the doctor. Untimely treatment leads to extremely sad consequences - the removal of a finger.
Treatment of the disease
Medical treatment
Ointment Vishnevsky has always been an indispensable assistant. The smell shouldn't scare you. This is an excellent antiseptic, proven and effective.
Accelerates the tightening process and disinfects Levomikol. It is convenient to apply on steamed skin under a bandage.
Antimicrobial furatsilin is dissolved in hot water. Such hot baths (hold the injured finger for about 30 minutes) not only stop the development of microbes, but also wash the wound.
Compresses are made with the help of anti-inflammatory Dimexide. Part of the drug and 4 parts of water.
One of the best remedies is Lincomycin. The developers offer an antibacterial agent in various forms - ointment, capsules for taking and injection solution.
When not to do without surgery?
In the absence of signs of recovery and the appearance of abscesses, you should contact the surgeon. Local anesthesia will ensure that the operation is painless. Most often, simply dead tissue or a nail is removed. Losing the finger itself is possible only in extremely neglected situations.
The postoperative period should not be forgotten about antibiotics and the rules for taking - no more than seven days. Tablets should be prescribed by a doctor in accordance with the patient's well-being and concomitant diseases or prohibitions / allergies.
Traditional medicine recipes
Doctors advised applying a hot baked or boiled onion in milk to the affected area. Bandage for 4-5 hours, change the vegetable, so several times.
Regular potatoes will help get rid of suppuration. Tie the inside of the peel to the abscess. Change after a few hours. A day later, the discomfort stops.
Pour a glass of boiling water over the willow bark and heat it in a “water bath” for 20 minutes. At night, tie a cotton swab or bandage soaked in the infusion to the abscess.
Celandine has long been famous for its healing properties. Boil 2 tablespoons of chopped herbs in 2 cups of water. 10 minutes to brew. The tincture will be ready after a couple of hours. The resulting is superimposed on the site, wrapped in a plastic bag, on top - something warm.
Therapy from the people should always be agreed with the doctor, because many herbs are not so harmless.
Treatment in children
The course of treatment for panaritium in a child is not much different from an adult. But, in no case should you self-medicate, before using home remedies, consult a pediatrician. If the pain is jerking or the temperature rises, call an ambulance. If the child is very young, care should be taken that he does not play and try not to use the injured limb.
Possible Complications
Like many other diseases associated with purulent discharges and infections, panaritium is dangerous for its complications. Troubles can arise if the disease is left to chance or if the treatment is too slow.
The most popular complications after panaritium can be:
- pandactylitis;
- inflammation of the lymph nodes, as well as vessels, up to the appearance of lymphadenitis and lymphangitis;
- phlegmon (inflammation) of tissues;
- sepsis and general blood poisoning;
- osteomyelitis (purulent inflammation in the bone);
- myositis (inflammation of the skeletal muscles);
- thrombophlebitis (thrombosis with inflammation);
- in especially severe cases - gangrene.
To avoid these complications, panaritium should be treated immediately when it appears.
Prevention of panaritium on the fingers
As you know, the most effective way to cope with the disease is to prevent it.
Prevention of panaritium consists of several simple rules:
- Keep your hands clean, use soap when washing your limbs.
- Be careful when doing manicures.
- Wear protective gloves, especially if there is a risk of injury in the workplace.
- In case of cuts, deep scratches and other injuries on the hands, immediately disinfect the affected area, use a bandage or other protective layer, avoid repeated injuries or contact with surfaces until the wound is completely healed.
Almost every person in life is faced with an inflammatory process on the arm. The most common occurrence is inflammation on the finger. Due to their mobility, the phalanges of the fingers are considered the most vulnerable part of the hand. Why do toes get inflamed.
Inflammation of the finger is caused by many reasons. The main diseases accompanied by such a symptom are the following:
- felon;
- arthritis;
- gout;
- rheumatoid arthritis.
The disease of the phalanges of the fingers occurs as a result of aseptic damage to the joints or a purulent process.
Felon
The most common inflammatory disease on the arm is panaritium. It appears on one finger. The causes of the process are minor injuries: scratches, splinters, burrs, wounds. The finger can become inflamed due to infection with pyogenic microbes.
Depending on the place of occurrence, the types of panaritium are as follows:
- subcutaneous;
- cutaneous;
- articular;
- osteoarticular;
- bone;
- tendinous.
Subcutaneous felon occurs on the back of the finger when pathogenic microorganisms enter the skin.
Cutaneous panaritium is observed on the palmar surface of the fingers. The purulent focus is located under the skin and for a long time cannot break through the dense cover. Pus can penetrate deep into soft tissues.
Articular panaritium develops with a traumatic lesion of the interphalangeal joint. It is characterized by a violation of movement in the sore finger, a fusiform expansion of the articular region.
Osteo-articular panaritium begins after the transition of a purulent lesion from the joint to the bone. In this case, the tendons are not involved in the process.
Bone panaritium appears after the introduction of a bacterial agent directly into the bone. It is most often observed with open fractures and extensive wounds.
The heaviest type of panaritium is considered tendon. When it is observed damage to the tendons of the muscles. The function of the brush is broken for a long time.
Symptoms common to all types of felons are the following manifestations:
- pain at the site of the lesion from slight to very severe;
- feeling of pulsation and twitching in the finger;
- swelling of the affected area;
- redness of the sore finger;
- chills;
- headache;
- malaise;
- general weakness.
Treatment consists in sanitizing the site of the lesion. Subcutaneous and cutaneous panaritium can be treated conservatively with anti-inflammatory drugs (Vishnevsky ointment, betadine, iodoxide) and antibacterial agents (ceftriaxone).
A deep lesion is considered tendon, articular and bone panaritium. They are treated only by surgery. To do this, under local anesthesia, a soft tissue incision is made and the purulent focus is removed. After that, antibacterial therapy (erythromycin, ceftriaxone, metrogil) and anti-inflammatory treatment (diclofenac, ketorol) are applied.
Arthritis
Arthritis is defined as any inflammation of the joints. Traumatic injury to the fingers leads to aseptic inflammation of the joints. With increased motor activity, the amount of joint fluid (synovia) decreases, cartilage rubs against each other. In addition, synovial volume decreases with age. There are degenerative changes in the joint. This is a factor that provokes nonspecific inflammation.
Reduced immunity contributes to the defeat of articular cartilage by streptococci. The disease can become a complication after suffering a sore throat. Specific inflammation develops.
Arthritis can affect one or more fingers on the hands. If one finger is involved in the inflammatory process, the disease is called monoarthritis. When several fingers are affected, the disease is called polyarthritis.
The symptoms of the disease are:
- redness of the skin over the diseased joint;
- edema;
- swelling of the finger to the touch;
- pain aggravated by movement;
- aches when performing actions;
- fever in the area of small joints;
- weakness in the arms;
- limitation of finger mobility;
- creaking while driving.
Arthritis caused by bacterial flora should be treated with antibacterial drugs (azithromycin, amoxiclav).
The inflammatory reaction should be removed with anti-inflammatory ointments and gels: diclofenac, indomethacin. To restore joint mobility, chondroprotectors are needed: chondroxide, artron. Vasodilator drugs (pentoxifylline, actovegin) improve blood circulation and stimulate metabolic processes. This leads to increased nutrition of the cartilage, which contributes to its restoration.
The second stage of treatment is rehabilitation:
- physiotherapy;
- massage;
The procedures are aimed at consolidating the result, restoring the articular surfaces and joint mobility.
Gout
Gout is a metabolic disease characterized by the deposition of potassium salts in the joints of the fingers and toes. A laboratory sign of the disease is an increase in the amount of uric acid in the blood. The cause of the disease is gastronomic excesses:
- alcohol consumption;
- food rich in purines (meat, red caviar, oily fish).
The symptoms of gout are:
- joint redness;
- swelling;
- sharp pains;
- the formation of tophi (growths on the finger).
Often one joint is affected, but several fingers can become inflamed. This aggravates the course of the process, increases pain.
The first treatment for gout is diet. It is necessary to limit the intake of prohibited foods and alcohol into the body, to stop smoking. These activities will lead to a decrease in the level of uric acid in the blood.
It is necessary to stop the pain syndrome with the help of anti-inflammatory drugs: naproxen, butadione. Decongestants (L-lysine) will help relieve swelling and improve tissue nutrition. A good effect is provided by means to improve blood circulation (pentoxifylline).
After stopping the pain attack, you must strictly adhere to the diet. If the diet is not followed, frequent relapses of the disease are possible.
Rheumatoid arthritis
One type of connective tissue disease is rheumatoid arthritis. There is a genetic predisposition to the disease. Women are more often affected. In most cases, the joints of the fingers are involved in the process. The inflammation is multifaceted.
The causes of the disease are such conditions:
- disruption of the immune system;
- nonspecific infection;
- bacteria living on the skin;
- some viruses.
Rheumatoid arthritis has the following symptoms:
- swelling of the joint;
- pain;
- phalanx deformity.
The treatment of the process is reduced to the stabilization of the immune system and the cessation of the production of antibodies to one's own tissues. For this, cytostatics (methotrexate) and glucocorticoids (dexamethasone) are used. Pain is relieved with anti-inflammatory drugs.
Rehabilitation therapy for rheumatoid arthritis consists in exercise therapy, massage, mud therapy.
Conclusion
The main prevention of the inflammatory process on the arm is the timely treatment of diseases with the appearance of the first clinical signs. After all, such diseases are prone to transition into a chronic form. Frequent exacerbations entail a violation of the functions of the hand, which can lead to disability.
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