Felon – What are the signs and symptoms, relevant dDx., sequelae, work up, and treatment options?

A felon is an infection or abscess of the soft tissue of the terminal joint of a finger, often caused by S. aureus.

Sn. & Sx.:

• Swollen, red, painful finger pad 

dDx.:

• Cellulitis
• Herpetic whitlow
• Paronychia

Sequelae:

• Osteomyelitis
• Necrosis

Work up:

• Clinical exam

Tx.:

• Incision and drainage over point of maximal tenderness (leave open to heal by 2nd intention)
• Antimicrobials

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This post was written by Omar Rifai