Hand infections have the potential to cause severe problems such as stiffness, loss of strength, and loss of tissues. Infections should be addressed by a doctor at the earliest possible stage.
In early stages, infections can often be treated with antibiotics, local rest, elevation and other no-surgical measures. After the early stages (sometimes after just a few days) the treatment may require a combination of antibiotics, surgical drainage, and removal of infected or dead tissues. Drainage from the infection will need to be sent for laboratory testing to determine the type of bacteria causing the infection and the appropriate antibiotic for treatment.
