Acute Paronychia and Felon: Diagnosis, Treatment, and
Complications in Hand Infections
1. What is acute paronychia?: Inflammation of the proximal and/or lateral nail fold(s), commonly caused
by bacterial inoculation into periungual tissues, often following minor trauma.
2. What are the common symptoms of acute paronychia?: Pain, swelling, and erythema at
the nail fold, potentially complicated by abscess formation.
3. What is a felon in the context of nail infections?: An acute pulp space infection characterized
by severe pain and a tensely swollen pulp that is exquisitely tender to palpation.
4. What is the treatment for acute paronychia with abscess formation?: Incision and
drainage are required to prevent further complications, followed by oral antibiotic therapy.
5. What are common bacteria involved in acute paronychia infections?: Staphylo-
coccus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Eikenella corrodens.
6. How can acute paronychia without abscess be treated?: With warm soaks and topical
antibiotics, without the need for incision and drainage.
7. What is the significance of cloudy drainage in a finger infection?: Cloudy drainage
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Complications in Hand Infections
1. What is acute paronychia?: Inflammation of the proximal and/or lateral nail fold(s), commonly caused
by bacterial inoculation into periungual tissues, often following minor trauma.
2. What are the common symptoms of acute paronychia?: Pain, swelling, and erythema at
the nail fold, potentially complicated by abscess formation.
3. What is a felon in the context of nail infections?: An acute pulp space infection characterized
by severe pain and a tensely swollen pulp that is exquisitely tender to palpation.
4. What is the treatment for acute paronychia with abscess formation?: Incision and
drainage are required to prevent further complications, followed by oral antibiotic therapy.
5. What are common bacteria involved in acute paronychia infections?: Staphylo-
coccus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Eikenella corrodens.
6. How can acute paronychia without abscess be treated?: With warm soaks and topical
antibiotics, without the need for incision and drainage.
7. What is the significance of cloudy drainage in a finger infection?: Cloudy drainage
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