Felon

A felon is an infection of the pulp space of the fingertip, usually with staphylococci and streptococci.

(See also Overview and Evaluation of Hand Disorders.)

The most common site is the distal pulp, which may be involved centrally, laterally, or apically. The septa between pulp spaces ordinarily limit the spread of infection, resulting in an abscess, which creates pressure and necrosis of adjacent tissues. The underlying bone, joint, or flexor tendons may become infected. There is intense throbbing pain and a swollen, warm, extremely tender pulp.

Treatment of felon involves prompt incision and drainage (using a midlateral incision that adequately divides the fibrous septa) and oral antibiotic therapy (1). Empiric treatment with a cephalosporin is adequate. In areas where methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is prevalent, trimethoprimTreatment of Cellulitis for a discussion of the approach to antibiotic therapy.

Felon

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In this patient, infection of the hand has spread to involve the fingertip pulp (felon), where pus visibly extrudes.

Image courtesy of David R. Steinberg, MD.