There can be many reasons that cause an infected finger. Almost all infected fingers are a result of unhealthy bacteria doing the damage. Let’s look at the different types of finger infections and what’s at stake.
1. Paronychia: Paronychia is a finger infection that develops along the side of the fingernails. Believed to be among the world’s most common finger and hand infection; it is caused by skin bacteria entering the skin around the nail. Doctors and medicine experts believe this is caused by finger-sucking, nail biting, dish or clothes washing and sometimes even irritant chemicals. Paronychia usually starts by swelling around the nail where the pus is formed. At its peak, Paronychia makes the finger look disfigured. Pain, redness and pus collection are its commonly known symptoms.
2. Felon: One of the most common infections on the fingertip is Felon. This fingertip infection usually takes place around the finger pad and the delicate soft tissue associated with it. If you look closely, it occurs around the pulp space on the side of a finger. Experts consider it an infection of serious type and one that requires immediate and proper medication. Lack of treatment can lead to a damaged finger tip. Symptoms include swelling, redness and pain in the finger tip occasionally accompanied by fever.
3. Herpetic Whitlow: Herpetic Whitlow is probably the only finger infection that is caused by virus and not bacteria. The virus that causes Herpetic Whitlow is commonly known as herpes simplex virus. It is among the most painful of finger infections and common among thumb-sucking children or adults whose finger comes in contact with genitals. It isn’t surprising that medical workers like dentists also suffer from it. Symptoms of this painful infection include but are not limited to redness, swelling and skin tenderness. Fever is also a part of the symptom.
4. Cellulitis: Cellulitis is widely considered among the most painful of finger infections. Caused by the entry of bacteria through a normal or broken skin, Cellulitis has the tendency to spread under the skin. Most finger infections result in inflammation – a process that causes redness and swelling. Cellulitis is common among people who suffer from diabetes and traumatic problems.
Medical experts believe that most finger infections are caused by lack of hygiene and while they can be treated, it is hard to read the symptoms to completely avoid them. Fingers enhance the beauty of the hand and an infected finger steals away that charm.
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