What are the different types of hand infections? How can you tell if you have a skin infection? Discover the key symptoms and when to seek medical treatment.

Comprehensive Guide: 11 Types of Hand Infections

Hand infections can cause serious problems and symptoms, both before and after the infection is resolved. They can result in stiff hands, weak hands, and loss of tissues such as skin, nerve and bone. It is important to visit a hand surgeon immediately and get early treatment if you have signs of one of these hand infections:

1. Atypical Mycobacterial Infection

This infection can result from puncture wounds from fish spines or contamination of a wound or cut from stagnant water (in nature or from aquariums). It will come on gradually, and you may feel stiffness and swelling.

2. Bite Wound Infection

This can be caused by a human or animal bite due to bacteria in the mouth. Seek treatment immediately after a bite wound.

3. Cellulitis

This is a skin infection that can cause skin redness, warmth, and pain. People with cellulitis may have a fever or feel sick. Seek treatment immediately, as this infection can cause serious problems.

4. Deep Space Infection

One of the compartments or “deep spaces” of the hand can become infected even from a small puncture. A pocket of puss may form at the base of the thumb, on the palm, or between the fingers.

5. Felon

A felon results in a painful, throbbing fingertip. It can occur after a gardening injury or activity involving sharp objects near the fingertip.

6. Herpetic Whitlow

This is caused by a herpes virus that is seen commonly in healthcare workers who are exposed to the virus. It will result in blisters, usually on the fingers, that are small, swollen, painful and blood-tinged.

7. MRSA

This is a bacterium resistant to usual antibiotics used to treat infection. It can come from community places such as gyms, dorms or daycares. Symptoms include lumps similar to boils, sometimes with puss. MRSA can cause serious problems, so seek treatment immediately.

8. Necrotizing Fascitis

Also known as “flesh-eating bacteria,” this infection is rare but severe. The bacteria enters the body through a cut, and the bacteria begins to destroy skin and muscles. It can be life threatening. Visit the emergency room if you are experiencing symptoms.

9. Paronychia

This is an infection of the area around the fingernail. The skin around the nail will be red, swollen and tender. It can occur if your hands are frequently wet.

10. Septic Arthritis/Osteomyelitis

A wound near a joint can cause this infection. Urgent treatment will be necessary.

11. Tendon Sheath Infection

This type of infection occurs from a cut or wound in a finger. You may feel stiffness or even feel the tendon pop. The finger will be red, swollen and tender on the palm side.

How to Tell If You Have a Skin Infection: 9 Telltale Symptoms

What Is a Skin Infection?

A skin infection is a condition in which germs (bacteria, viruses, or fungi) infect your skin and sometimes the deep tissues underneath it. In some cases, it’s caused by a parasite invading your skin. You can get a skin infection any time your skin is broken, whether from a cut, tattoo, piercing, puncture, sting, or bite.

Skin Infection Symptoms

If you think your skin may be infected, watch for these signs:

• Pus or fluid leaking out of the cut
• Red skin around the injury
• A red streak that runs from the cut toward your heart
• A pimple or yellowish crust on top
• Sores that look like blisters
• Pain that gets worse after a few days
• Swelling that gets worse after a few days
• A fever
• The wound hasn’t healed after 10 days

When to See a Doctor

Call a doctor or go to the hospital right away if you think you might have a skin infection and:

• You have a fever of 100.4 degrees or higher.
• You’re in a lot of pain.
• The redness or swelling spreads.

Pink or red skin and swelling around a wound are normal, especially if you have stitches. Some amount of pain is normal, but it should start to go away after the second day.

If you see pus, fluid, or crust, call your doctor within 24 hours. Call if the pain gets worse after 48 hours.

Skin Infection Causes

Bacteria, a fungus, or a virus can cause skin infections. Common types include:

Boils

This is the most common type of skin infection. It’s usually caused by staph bacteria. It’s a pocket of pus that forms over a hair follicle or oil gland. Your skin gets red and swollen. If it breaks open, pus likely will drain out.

Impetigo

This contagious rash usually shows up as blisters with a honey-colored crust. Staph or strep bacteria can cause this.