Signs of infection in a finger, hand, or wrist
Infection can develop after an injury or wound to the skin, a bite or sting, a tattoo or piercing, or other skin problems. Signs of infection may include:
- Increased pain, swelling, redness, or warmth around the affected area.
- Red streaks extending from the affected area.
- Drainage of pus from the area.
- Swollen lymph nodes in the armpit or neck.
- Fever.
It is normal to have some pain and swelling following an injury. Pain and swelling that occur with redness, red streaking, tenderness, heat, fever, or pus-like drainage may be caused by an infection. An infection most often develops when germs (bacteria) enter the cut, punctured, or scraped skin after an injury. What starts as a minor wound infection (such as an infection around a nail bed) can lead to a serious infection, such as:
- A skin infection (cellulitis).
- A pus-filled pocket (abscess) just under the skin surface or deep in tissue. This is known as a felon when it involves the end of a finger and is usually caused by an infected puncture wound.
- A joint infection (infectious arthritis).
- A bone infection (osteomyelitis).
- An infection of the flexor tendon sheath (septic tenosynovitis).
- An infection by the herpes virus (herpetic whitlow).
- A nail bed infection (paronychia).
People who have conditions such as diabetes, peripheral arterial disease, or immune system problems have a greater risk of developing an infection and complications from an infection.
Immediate medical treatment of an infection may prevent serious complications.
| Author: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA | Last Updated: February 14, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine | |
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