Whitlow is Felon Alright

In ordinary talk, felon - in the adjective form - describes someone (or something) as being wicked. In the field of pathology, however, felon refers to the painful infection which characteristically affects the tissues of the fingertip. Used either way, the term would not really differ much in meaning.

Felon, also called whitlow, usually begins as an infection of the skin surrounding the fingernails. Certain fungi and bacteria, often the exceedingly pernicious staphylococci, are known to cause whitlow. The infectious germs may enter through a break in the skin from a deep pinprick, splinter, thorn, hangnail, or even from manicuring. Several years back, I experienced having a severe case of whitlow - the result of my habitual pushing back of my cuticles. The oral medication prescribed by my doctor, coupled by the lancing she did on my infected left-hand forefinger, cured me of the condition.

From the skin immediately around the fingernails, the infection may spread into the tissues of the fingertip. When this happens, the inflammation and pus become entrenched among the tendons and tendon sheaths, or even close to the bone. To prevent the tendons from being cast off or the bone from being damaged, lancing must be done promptly. Failing this may result to a deformed or crippled finger or thumb. The pus has to be drained immediately lest the infection spreads to other parts of the hand and cause crippling. In worse cases, the infection may travel to the bloodstream and cause blood poisoning. In lancing, the use of a local or general anesthetic is often necessary.

People whose hands get wet a great deal are extremely susceptible to whitlow. Protecting the hands with rubber gloves is the simplest way of guarding against the infection. A little talcum powder sprinkled in the gloves can be helpful for extra protection. A pair of cotton gloves worn under the rubber gloves can likewise provide additional protection. Cutting or pushing back cuticles should also be avoided; leaving cuticles in place on the nail plate is important in keeping the fingernails and their surrounding areas dry.

Consult a doctor as soon as you notice that whitlow has started; the doctor will most likely prescribe an oral antibiotic which is the standard treatment for such an infection. For chronic whitlow, the doctor will probably prescribe an antifungal lotion. For severe cases, as what I once had, the doctor will prescribe an appropriate oral medication. [Read the Original Article]

Source: http://www.wrongdiagnosis.com/w/whitlow/basics.htm