Panaricius
Panaritium is a pathology in which the soft tissues or phalanges of the finger become inflamed. There are several types of panaritium, isolated depending on the localization of the focus of inflammation and the strength of the inflammatory process.
CAUSES OF THE DISEASE
The main cause of panaritium is microtrauma of the skin, through which the pathogen-a bacterium penetrates. It is the vital activity of bacteria that becomes the ultimate cause of the development of purulent inflammation.
Pathogens of the disease:
Staphylococcus aureus,
Steptococcus,
Proteus,
Enterococcus,
Pseudomonas aeruginosa,
E. coli.
Factors that increase the risk of infection include: diabetes mellitus, vitamin deficiency, AIDS, blood flow disorders in the hand.
kinds
Cutaneous panaritium is an abscess located in the layer of the epidermis.
Nail panaritium:
paronychia – purulent inflammation of the nail roller,
subarticular panaritium – localization of an abscess under the nail.
3. Subcutaneous pathology – the purulent process is localized in the subcutaneous tissue on the phalanges of the fingers (as a rule, the disease affects the terminal phalanges).
4. Tendon panaritium is the most severe form of pathology that can lead to disability. In this case, the tendons of the fingers are affected until the complete death of the tendon tissue.
5. Bone panaritium – develops as a consequence of a deep wound to the bone or as a severe consequence of subcutaneous panaritium.
6. Pandactyl is a panaritium that has affected the entire thickness of the finger.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
The symptoms of panaritium vary depending on the type of pathology.
The easiest course of the disease is demonstrated by intradermal panaritium. Externally, the disease manifests itself as the appearance of a bubble filled with pus. As a rule, a bubble occurs on the palmar surface of the phalanx of the finger. At the same time, pain may occur periodically in the bladder area.
Paronychia (inflammation of the nail roller) leads to redness and soreness of the roller. The skin in the affected area turns white, a layer of pus is visible under it. Pus can also spread under the nail plate, which leads to its peeling.
With subcutaneous panaritia, the affected phalanx of the finger thickens, the skin on it turns red, the movements of the finger are limited due to pulsating pains.
Tendon panaritium leads to redness of the skin on the finger, thickening of the entire finger and soreness of its movements. The swelling can also spread to the palm and back of the hand. The purulent process spreads rapidly, leading to damage not only to the hand, but also to the forearm and even the shoulder.
With bone panaritia, the phalanx of the finger is affected, and over time, the entire hand. Swelling is pronounced, intense pain appears, pus breaks through the skin are possible.
diagnostics
If you detect any of these symptoms, you should immediately contact a surgeon. Panarichiae, as well as cutaneous and subcutaneous forms of the disease do not require special instrumental diagnostics – the methods of examination in this case are a general blood test and a glucose level test.
In case of bone panaritia, it is necessary to undergo an X-ray examination of the hand.
PRINCIPLES OF TREATMENT
If panaritium was diagnosed at an early stage, then treatment will be conservative – as a rule, baths with a salt solution, physiotherapy, and antibiotics are prescribed.
With a developed pathology with a pronounced formation of purulent blisters, surgical intervention is resorted to. The operation consists in excision of the purulent bladder and subsequent treatment with a solution of hydrogen peroxide.
PREVENTION
Prevention of panaritium consists in timely treatment of all, even minor, wounds on the surface of the skin. In case of severe brush injuries, it is worth taking care of thorough washing of the wound and its disinfection.
