Phlegmon of the hand

Hand phlegmons are infections that are localized to a hand lodge but can also be diffused. Often they are caused by a complicated panaritium, but they can also result from trauma to the hand or direct inoculation. Because of the gravely evolution the general manifestations of disease predominate over the local manifestations.

Classification of the hand phlegmons

1. Deepening on the location

Panaritium

A panaritium is an acute or chronic infection of the finger or toe, it can superficial, deep or located around the nail. The cause of infection can be either bacteria or fungi, the germs create a cavity in which  pus is collected. Left untreated panaritium either open to the skin and eliminate pus (fistulizing) or extend into the deep tissue.

Germs associated with panaritium development

Panaritium is most commonly associated with  Staphylococcus aureus which is found in 50 % of cases, producing a creamy, thick and odorless pus. Other germs that can be isolated from the lesion are: