Treatment of hand infections.

Microorganisms most commonly enter the tissues through wounds, large or small. Prevention involves keeping the hands clean by frequent washing and avoiding contamination. Early infections may be aborted by cleansing and antibiotics. If an established infection does not respond to a brief trial of heat, rest, elevation and antibiotics, incision and drainage should be carried out promptly, without waiting for fluctuation. Needle aspiration is not an adequate substitute for early surgical incision.