Purulent inflammation of the tissues of the finger in medicine is called panaritium. The causative agent of this disease is usually staphylococcus aureus, sometimes streptococcus. Infection occurs by infection through small damage to the integrity of the skin (shots, splinters, cracks, wounds).
There are several types of panaritium:
1 - skin - suppuration located between the skin and the epidermal cover. With this form of the disease, the temperature and general condition of the patient is normal. The pain has a weak intensity, is localized in a certain area, which has redness and swelling. Recovery occurs with a breakthrough of pus. If measures are not taken in time, subcutaneous panaritium develops. Treatment consists of removing the skin with sharp scissors to release the pus. A mildly disinfectant ointment is applied to the wound.
2 - subcutaneous. The most common type of panaritium. Inflammation is formed in the subcutaneous tissue, accompanied by its necrosis. The patient's temperature rises from 37.5 ° C and above, throbbing pain is present at the site of inflammation. Tissue tension and swelling are noticeable in the bentfinger position. With the spread of the process, pandactylitis, articular, bone or tendon felon may develop. Treatment begins with the introduction of a solution of novocaine and penicillin intra-arterially. Within 3-4 days, the pain subsides, recovery occurs, sometimes an opening of the tissue is required to break through the pus.
3 - bone panaritium. It is formed after damage to the bone, periosteum with infected wounds or as a result of complications of subcutaneous felon. In the early stages, the symptoms are the same as with subcutaneous panaritium. But more pronounced. The temperature rises to 40°. Pain is observed throughout the phalanx, which has a flask-shaped thickening. Destructive changes are visible on the x-ray after 2-3 weeks from the onset of the disease. Surgery required.
4 - articular felon - inflammation of the metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joints. Pain is present even at rest, the joint forms a spindle shape. Gradually, the lateral ligaments are destroyed, a crunch appears during movement and lateral mobility. The radiograph shows jagged, pitted contours at the ends of the phalanx joints. Treatment of such panaritium is carried out only promptly.
5 - tendovaginitis (tendon panaritium) - inflammation of the tendon sheaths. The cause of occurrence is damage to the tendon sheath with a sharp object, a complicated skin infected wound or subcutaneous panaritium. Treatment is operative.
6 - paronychia or periungual felon - suppurationperiungual ridge. If you press on the nail, pus is released from under it. It is treated by removing the nail root, without damaging the bed.
7 - subungual felon - an inflammation that develops under the nail. The ingress of a foreign body under the nail or suppuration of the hematoma causes subungual panaritium. Treatment consists of trepanation of the nail to ensure the outflow of pus.
8 - pandactylitis - suppuration of all tissues of the finger. Usually occurs due to improper treatment of articular, bone panaritium or tendovaginitis. Purulent fusion of soft tissues, joints, bones and tendons occurs. Leukocytosis is present in the patient's blood. The finger is significantly enlarged in size, does not move. The treatment is to amputate the finger.
Thus, in order to prevent serious consequences, you need to monitor your he alth very carefully.
