Hand infections seen in the industrial clinic

Following a few basic principles will help the industrial physician in managing hand infections. They are: (1) recognizing the infection early; (2) drainage and/or debridement; (3) identifying the organism; and (4) antibiotics. Following the course of a wound is extremely important. The infected wound that does not respond to surgery and antibiotics may need to be re-explored and cultured again. The wound that heals well without antibiotics or on the wrong antibiotic may be left alone. That is, antibiotics can be withheld or stopped.