How do you treat a deep space infection?
Deep space infections may occur in the thumb, the palm or in the area between the bases of fingers. Treatment for deep space infections includes antibiotic therapy, pain relieving medications and surgical drainage.
What is a deep space infection?
Deep neck space infection (DNSI) refers to an infection in the potential spaces and fascial planes of the neck, either with abscess formation or cellulitis (1). At least 11 deep spaces are part of the complex structure formed by the facial planes, providing possible infection sites.
Which space in the hand may become infected?
The hand is divided into many separate “compartments” or “deep spaces.” One or more of these can become infected even from a small puncture wound. An abscess can form in the muscle area at the base of the thumb (thenar space), the palm (deep palmar space), or the web spaces between the fingers.
What causes infection in the hand?
What are some common causes of hand infections? Infections of the hand can be the result of a post-surgical infection, human or animal bites, an untreated wound, or any other wound that could make it easier for bacteria to enter the internal tissue and become infected.
How do I get rid of an infection in my hand?
Most minor skin infections respond well to home treatment. This includes warm water soaks, raising the hand above the heart, and resting the hand with the fingers slightly bent. Make sure to clean all open wounds with soap and water. Wounds that have drainage should be covered with a bandage.
What is the best antibiotic for a hand infection?
For more serious infections, intravenous vancomycin is recommended. Alternative intravenous therapies include daptomycin, gentamicin, and line-zolid. In crush injuries, injuries in highly contaminated environments or in immunocompromised hosts, gram negative bacteria and/or anaerobes are suspected.
Should you massage an abscess?
Gently massage around the breast, but avoid massaging the area that has the abscess. Be careful not to apply pressure or pushing on the affected area. Apply ice chips only on the area of the breast where the abscess is located. Leave ice on for 3-5 minutes, then remove.
What is the most common hand infection?
Paronychia (Fig 8) is the most common hand infection and can be acute or chronic (24). It involves the soft-tissue fold around the fingernail and usually results from bacterial inoculation of the paronychial tissue caused by a sliver of nail or a hangnail, a manicure instrument, or nail biting.
How do I treat an infection in my hand?
What does MRSA look like when it starts?
MRSA infections start out as small red bumps that can quickly turn into deep, painful abscesses. Staph skin infections, including MRSA , generally start as swollen, painful red bumps that might look like pimples or spider bites. The affected area might be: Warm to the touch.
Should you put a bandaid on an abscess?
If your abscess was opened with an Incision and Drainage: Keep the abscess covered 24 hours a day, removing bandages once daily to wash with warm soap and water. If the abscess was packed (with a cotton wick), leave it in until instructed by your clinician to remove the packing or return for re-evaluation.
When should you go to the hospital for an abscess?
Call your doctor if any of the following occur with an abscess: You have a sore larger than 1 cm or a half-inch across. The sore continues to enlarge or becomes more painful. The sore is on or near your rectal or groin area.