Inflammation on the finger

Introduction - inflammation on the finger

The finger can become infected in various places, such as the nail bed, the fingertip or the joints.

A distinction is made between two main forms of inflammation: On the one hand, there is purulent inflammation, the so-called panaritium (Inflammation of the nail bed) and on the other hand the phlegmon. The cause is the same for both, but the two forms of inflammation show different symptoms and therefore differ in diagnosis and therapeutic approaches.

First read general information about the diseases listed:

• What are phlegmon?
• Inflammation of the nail bed - what's behind it?

Causes of inflammation on the finger

Purulent finger inflammation and phlegmon are usually caused by bacteria that penetrate the tissue through the smallest of injuries to the skin. These smallest injuries often go unnoticed. They are often caused by nail care, but frequent contact of the hands with harsh cleaning agents can also lead to micro-injuries. Bacteria can also get into the skin through cuts, stab wounds or abrasions.

After an operation on the finger, it is also susceptible to germs that can penetrate through the wound.

The bacteria that cause this purulent inflammation and phlegmon are above all Staphylococci, Streptococci and E. coli bacteria.

Infestation with fungi or herpes viruses can also lead to this. However, this is far less common than the bacterial infection. However, the herpes infection keeps coming back once it has occurred. This can be triggered by fever, stress or, for example, injuries to the fingers. Cold sores on fingers are contagious to other people.

Finger arthrosis can also trigger inflammation in the finger.

In order to prevent the causes of inflammation on the finger, it is advantageous to deal with them in advance. The following articles are recommended for this:

• Cracked cuticles - causes and their treatment
• Finger arthrosis - you should pay attention to this

Therapy of inflammation on the finger

Appointment with a hand specialist?

I would be happy to advise you!

Who am I?
My name is dr. Nicolas Gumpert. I am a specialist in orthopedics and the founder of .
Various television programs and print media report regularly about my work. On HR television you can see me every 6 weeks live on "Hallo Hessen".
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In order to be able to treat successfully in orthopedics, a thorough examination, diagnosis and a medical history are required.
In our very economic world in particular, there is too little time to thoroughly grasp the complex diseases of orthopedics and thus initiate targeted treatment.
I don't want to join the ranks of "quick knife pullers".
The aim of any treatment is treatment without surgery.

Which therapy achieves the best results in the long term can only be determined after looking at all of the information (Examination, X-ray, ultrasound, MRI, etc.) be assessed.

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• Lumedis - orthopedics
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Further information about myself can be found at Lumedis - Dr. Nicolas Gumpert

Treatment of inflammation on the finger with ointment

Inflammation of the finger is usually a very localized reaction of the body to an infection. Most commonly, these infections are caused by bacteria. If the doctor suspects bacterial inflammation, an ointment containing antibiotics is usually prescribed. The ointment works locally on the inflamed area and can often fight the cause of the inflammation within a few days.

If it is a fungal infection, ointments are also used, which can specifically fight the fungus responsible for the inflammation.

Extensive infections can possibly only be treated with local medication, as the ointment can only reach the outer skin and wound layers.

General information regarding ointments and creams can be found at:

• Which ointments and creams are the best?
• Anti-inflammatory cream

Homeopathy as a therapy for inflammation in the finger

Treating an inflamed finger with homeopathic remedies can only be recommended in rare cases. Especially when it is a bacterial infection, conventional medical strategies should be used to prevent complications.

Only inflammations which are only mildly pronounced or which can be traced back to overloading can be considered for homeopathic therapy.

This could help you on the subject:

• Homeopathy for skin inflammation
• Homeopathy for skin inflammation with pus

Home remedies for inflammation on the finger

An acute infection of the finger with clear signs of inflammation and pus formation should definitely be treated by a doctor. Latent infections that are not associated with any risk of spreading can, however, also be treated with home remedies.

First of all, the finger should be disinfected and washed frequently. To reduce the inflammation, the finger can also be dipped in salt water, chamomile tea, ginger tea, curd soap water or nettle extract. Quark compresses or treatments with onions can also pull the inflammation out of the finger.

Schüssler salts and homeopathic remedies can also be used for mild complaints caused by pathogens in the finger.

In general, the finger should be spared and treated hygienically so that no further pathogens can penetrate through small skin injuries.

Which doctor treats inflammation on the finger?

An inflammation in the finger can be treated in an interdisciplinary manner by many medical specialties.

As a rule, acute inflammation can be treated by a family doctor, who can assess the urgency of therapy and recommend and prescribe appropriate medication or home remedies.

Particularly acute inflammations with severe symptoms may need to be treated in a doctor on call or by the emergency service.

Dermatologists specialize in this type of inflammation, but they are rarely present at first aid.

Surgical treatment may be necessary depending on the extent of the inflammation. A plastic or general surgeon can be used for this.

Complications of inflammation on the finger

If the finger is inflamed, this can also spread to deeper layers. Tendons, joints or bones can also be affected.

If the spread is extensive, the palm and forearm can be added.

If the inflammation spreads into the lymphatic system, the inflammation can pass into the blood and lead to blood poisoning. However, this is an exceptional case.

If it spreads to the bone, the inflammation can spread to the bone marrow, causing it to become inflamed as well.

Is there a chronic illness such as If you have diabetes mellitus, the risk of inflammation of the finger due to high blood sugar levels and circulatory disorders is increased. Since wound healing is also disturbed, this leads to poorer healing and an increased susceptibility to a chronic course of the inflammation. In this case, tissue of the finger gradually dies and an amputation may be necessary. Consistent hand and nail care should be ensured in high-risk patients.

It is known in the case of a Diabates disease that one should pay close attention to the fingers and toes, as sequelae could develop here. But what are the other consequences of diabetes? You can find this and much more at:

• Consequences of diabetes

Accompanying symptoms of inflammation on the finger

Swelling of the finger if inflamed

Along with reddening, overheating, pain and functional impairment, swelling is a typical sign of inflammation.

The pathogens often get into the finger through small wounds as an entry portal, multiply there and cause an inflammatory reaction. The inflammatory cells produce fluids and possibly pus. The increased accumulation of fluid under the skin causes the typical painful swellings, which also limit the movement of the fingers.

Lymph nodes located nearby can also swell and be painful in response to the bacteria, virus, or fungus.

The doctor may puncture a severe swelling with a needle.

However, the swelling usually subsides on its own with treatment of the cause of the infection.

Swollen fingers don't always have to be the result of inflammation and can have more serious causes. You can read about the causes here: Swollen Fingers - What Is The Cause?

Pus when inflamed on the finger

If the finger is inflamed, pus may develop over time. Pus is usually a yellowish, viscous mass that is produced by the inflammatory cells in response to the pathogens.

The formation of pus often indicates that the infection is caused by bacterial pathogens, but in rare cases also by other pathogens.

Several forms of inflammation are conceivable.

In the finger, the shielding of the inflammatory cells can create an encapsulated inflammatory focus, a so-called "abscess". If the inflammation spreads rapidly throughout the finger, one speaks more of a "phlegmon". These foci of inflammation are often bulging with pus in bacterial infections.

If the fingernail and nail bed are involved, the pus often protrudes on the side edges of the nail.

The infectious pus should always be removed and relieved if possible in order to accelerate the healing of the inflammation.

Furthermore, rapid antibiotic therapy should be carried out if pus forms in order to avoid further spread and even potential blood poisoning.

What is behind the terms "abscess" and "phlegmon"? Find out the answer to this question with the following articles:

• Abscess - cause, symptoms, therapy and prognosis
• Phlegmon- Everything You Need to Know

Forms of inflammation on the finger

Inflammation of the tendon in the finger

If the tendon (or more often: the tendon sheath) is inflamed, this can also cause typical inflammatory symptoms. No wound can then be seen and pus does not form either. However, the hand can show signs of inflammation and even small movements are often painful.

Infections are rarely responsible for the clinical picture, but it is usually an overload of the tendons. The inflammation can be treated by resting, cooling, and taking pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs. In some cases, surgery must be considered.

Read more on the subject at: Tendinitis

Inflammation in the finger joint

Inflammation of the finger joints can have multiple causes and do not always have to be triggered by pathogens.

Rheumatic diseases such as arthritis are also possible, which increase with age.

Typical signs of inflammation in the finger joints are swelling, redness, overheating, pain and impaired joint function.

The most common form of inflammation in the finger joint, however, is a pathogen-related infection of the finger that has spread to the joint structures. One speaks of a so-called "Panaritium articulare".

The joint structures are particularly sensitive and prone to damage and long-term consequences from the infection.

The articular cartilage of the fingers can be attacked and damaged by the inflammatory cells. This often results in wear and tear on the articular cartilage over a few years. In the long term, this leads to a narrowing of the joint space, a thickening of the bones and a stiffening of the joint.

In many cases, pain and restricted mobility can also be the result of the cartilage damage.

Inflammation of the joint can often become chronic and cause long-term consequences. You can also read at this point: Joint inflammation

Inflammation in the finger after an injury

Inflammation caused by an injury to the finger is very common. Especially when the skin has been damaged by a thorn or other injuries, the injury represents a gateway for bacteria. As a rule, human skin is not free from bacteria, which is why inflammation easily develops due to an injury.

Inflammatory reactions can also occur in the case of injuries that are not associated with skin damage. If the structures within the finger are damaged, signs of inflammation appear. It should be clarified whether the bones and tendons of the finger are still intact or whether specific therapy is necessary.

In order to prevent inflammation after an injury, the wound should be rinsed out with water and disinfected as soon as possible, especially if the skin has been clearly damaged. Despite any pain that may occur, disinfection should be carried out thoroughly. Thereafter, depending on the extent of the injury, the wound should be bandaged with sterile dressings and these should be changed frequently.

Larger injuries should always be clarified by a doctor.

Purulent finger inflammation (panaritium)

In the case of a purulent finger inflammation, the finger becomes inflamed and the surrounding tissue melts.

It can affect different layers and areas of the skin. These include, for example, the skin (Panaritium cutaneum), the subcutis (Panaritium subcutaneum) or the nail bed (Panaritium subunguale or paraunguale). The joints (Panaritium articular), the tendons (Panaritium tendinosum), the bones (Panaritium ossale) or the periosteum (Panaritium periostale) can be affected.

Further important information regarding purulent finger inflammation can be found at:

• Inflammation of the nail bed on the finger
• Pus in / on the finger - you should pay attention to this!

Symptoms of purulent inflammation of the fingers

Depending on which layer of the finger is inflamed, patients will have different symptoms:

• If the skin is affected, blisters filled with pus will form. The patient feels pain that is aggravated by pressure. In addition to the swelling, there is usually also redness.

Read more about the topic here: Blister on finger

• If the inflammation spreads to the joints, joint swelling and redness occurs. When moving the affected joint, as well as when compressing and pulling, pain occurs.
• If the tendons or the tendon sheaths are affected, the entire finger is usually swollen and reddened. The skin over the tendons is tight and shiny. Tendon tendon tenderness and pain on movement are typical symptoms.
• Inflammation of the nail bed is characterized by a collection of pus below the nail. There is also a strong throbbing pain that is aggravated when pressure is applied to the fingernail.
• If the inflammation spreads to the bone of the finger, the finger swells around the bone and is very painful on pressure here.

You may also be interested in this article: Pain in the little finger

Diagnosis of purulent inflammation of the fingers

The diagnosis of a purulent inflammation of the fingers and a phlegmon is usually based on the clear symptoms.

X-rays of the fingers or the hand should also be taken to see whether the adjacent bones are affected.

In addition, the blood can be examined for signs of inflammation and the involvement of bacteria can be checked with a wound swab.

Therapy of purulent inflammation of the fingers

In most cases, if the finger is inflamed, warm soapy baths or baths with added chamomile will help promote healing. Also train ointments, such as B. Turpentine oil can be useful.

If the inflamed area has already been opened and pus is draining away, it should be disinfected immediately.

However, if the inflammation does not recede, or if it worsens, a doctor should be consulted. This usually immobilizes the affected finger and, if necessary, also prescribes an antibiotic against bacteria or an antifungal agent against fungi.

If the purulent infection is very pronounced, a surgical intervention is necessary. The affected area is anesthetized locally and the doctor scratches the skin over the accumulation of pus so that the pus can drain away. Then the wound is disinfected and the hand is immobilized. Care should be taken to ensure that there is adequate tetanus vaccination protection.

In no case should you try to remove a pus collection yourself. There is a risk of spreading the bacteria into the deeper layers of the skin.

If the inflammation has penetrated deeper layers, surgical intervention is also necessary. After the infected and dead tissue has been removed, antibiotic sponges or chains are inserted to keep bacteria away.

If the tendon sheaths are affected, surgery must also be carried out and the tendon sheaths must be opened.

In particularly severe cases, when the bone is already affected and tissue has died in connection with a wound healing disorder, an amputation may even be necessary.

In all cases, an amputation cannot be glossed over and you should take all measures as early as possible in order to avoid them. However, it is beneficial to be familiar with this incident. To do this, read the following article: Amputation of a finger

Prophylaxis of purulent inflammation of the fingers

To prevent inflammation of the finger in the area of ​​the nail bed, care should be taken to cut the nails regularly so that they do not grow in.

Filing the nails round can also be useful for this.

The cuticle should not be cut off with scissors. This can lead to injuries that allow bacteria to penetrate the skin.

Gloves should be worn during activities that involve contact with aggressive cleaning agents or fertilizers to protect hands.

The following article shows you the best way to take care of your hands and nails: Cracked Cuticles - The Best Treatment Options

Duration of the purulent inflammation of the fingers

As a rule, nail bed inflammation should subside after about a week. If this is not the case, a doctor should be consulted.

Inflammations that affect the top layer of skin on the finger also last about a week. However, if the inflammation penetrates deeper, the healing time is extended.

Inflammation of the fingernail

Inflammation on the fingernail is also called "panaritium perunguale". It is a common form of inflammation of the finger, as the pathogens can quickly spread via the tendon sheaths to the nail bed.

Besides bacteria, fungi can also often cause nail bed inflammation. Redness, hot, throbbing pain, and swelling are typical of fingernail inflammation.

After a few days, pus, fever and strong pulsating pain may develop on the side of the nail.

Nail inflammation can be very uncomfortable and should be treated for medical attention as soon as possible. In many cases, advanced inflammation of the nail bed leads to the nail falling off.

Spreading to other nails and the entire finger is also possible and can lead to further complications.

The inflammation should be contained in the early stages with appropriate baths, disinfectants and ointments.

The loss of the fingernail can also be avoided at an early stage.

Phlegmon with inflammation on the finger

A phlegmon is an extensive, progressive inflammation of the cellular tissue that can affect different layers of the skin. Either it spreads directly under the skin or a layer deeper, i.e. under the fan-shaped connective tissue plate on the inside of the hand, the so-called Palmar aponeurosis.

A phlegmon can also develop below this connective tissue plate, which is then located above the hand muscles.

Phlegmon can also spread to the back of the hand and the extensor side of the fingers.

The most important information on the topic is very important to you and should be worked through. To do this, click on the linked article: Phlegmon - that's behind it

Symptoms of phlegmon on the finger

With a phlegmon, there is boring or throbbing pain in the affected area. Most of the time, you can also see redness and swelling and the skin is overheated.

The function of the affected fingers is severely restricted and there is severe pressure pain.

In addition to these signs of inflammation, general signs of inflammation can also be recognized in a phlegmon. These include fever, chills and a general feeling of malaise.

Therapy of phlegmon on the finger

If the fingers have phlegmon, this must be surgically opened to rinse them out. The inflamed tissue should be removed, as should the dead tissue.

Antibiotics are applied to the affected areas to combat the bacteria. This takes place in the form of chains or sponges.

The fingers or the hand must be immobilized after this procedure and possibly rinsed again during the healing process.

The patient should then use physiotherapy to regain the ability of the finger to move.

If the tendon becomes glued, a second operation may have to be performed to loosen it.

Inflammation on the finger in the child

Inflammation on the finger is a relatively common phenomenon in children. As in adults, these can also be recognized by the typical inflammatory reactions.

These are usually caused by minor injuries. Either the irritation from the wound or the penetration of bacteria can cause the inflammation as a result. Reasons for the inflammation are as numerous as in adults.

Small wounds in children should always be kept as sterile as possible and, if necessary, covered with a bandage. This is especially necessary if the children touch the wound with the other hand while it is healing.

When cutting the fingernails, care should be taken that they are not cut too short and that the surrounding skin is not injured.

If pain occurs and there are clear signs of inflammation (redness, swelling, and overheating), a doctor should be consulted for further treatment.

The same applies if pus can already be seen.

Anti-inflammatory drugs and antibacterial ointments can often fight the inflammation successfully.

You might also be interested in: Pus in / on the finger - you should pay attention to this!

Inflammation in the finger in the baby

Inflammation of the finger in babies is not common. This is because babies usually do not have a particularly high potential for injury and sharp objects are usually not in reach.

But even in babies, inflammation of the nail bed or small wounds can lead to inflammation on the finger. This can be recognized by the symptoms directly on the hand and a frequently screaming and dissatisfied child.

Both bacteria and fungal infections can be responsible for the disease. Inflammation in the child should be clarified by a doctor in order to prevent serious complications in good time.

After this brief explanation, it is also advisable for you to read the following article on "Inflammation of the finger in babies": Inflammation of the nail bed in babies