Felon is a purulent bacterial infection inside the tip of finger or toe in the area surrounding the nail. It can form of pus or abscess. It is very painfull and redness in nature..
Sometimes a painful bump on the end of a finger that is mistaken for a felon, it is a herpes virus infection that forms herpetic whitelow.
CAUSES
Felon infections are usually caused by minor injuries to finger pads. Injuries include
Splinters
Cuts
Scrapes
Abrasions
Puncture wounds
Felon may also developvsue to untreated nail infection ( Paronchia)
CAUSATIVE ORGANISMS:
• Staphylococcus aureus
• Streptococcus
SYMPTOMS
• Redness
• Numbness
• painfull
• Throbbing pain
• Very warm
• Swelling
• Tenderness
• Pus filled or abscess
• Fever
INVESTIGATION
• Doctor diagnose a felon through a physical examination of your finger
Doctor may request additional tests, like
• Ultrasound
• Wound culture
EARLY STAGE TREATMENT:
• Antibiotics for bacterial infection
• Tetanus shot
• Soak your finger in warm water
ADVANCE STAGE TREATMENT:
• Surgically drainage the affected part
PREVENTION
• Wash your hand with handwash, maintain hand hygiene
• Wear protective gloves when working with wood or other materials factories