title: Hand infections.
abstract: Hand infections are very common and must be properly diagnosed and treated to minimize the potentially devastating functional complications. Acute hand infections include felon, paronychia, deep-space infections, septic arthritis, osteomyelitis, and necrotizing fasciitis. Chronic infections are usually caused by atypical mycobacteria and fungi. There are several conditions that mimic acute hand infections, and it is important to recognize them so that the appropriate treatment can be instilled. To prevent all these complications and poor outcome, prompt diagnosis and early institution of appropriate surgical management and antibiotic treatment are crucial.
authors.affiliation: Durham, N.C. From the Division of Plastic, Reconstructive, Maxillofacial, and Oral Surgery, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center.
authors.forename: Yee Siang
authors.initials: YS
authors.lastname: Ong
authors.forename: L Scott
authors.initials: LS
authors.lastname: Levin
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000382:microbiology; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006225:Hand; D006801:Humans
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents