Felon infection

Felon Infection

How can you care for a felon infection?

  • If your doctor prescribed antibiotics, take them as directed. Do not stop taking them just because you feel better. You need to take the full course of antibiotics.
  • Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
    • If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
    • If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine.
  • Prop up your hand on a pillow anytime you sit or lie down during the next 3 days. Try to keep the area above the level of your heart. This will help reduce swelling.
  • If your doctor told you how to care for your wound, follow your doctor's instructions. If you did not get instructions, follow this general advice:
    • Wash the area with clean water 2 times a day. Don't use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, which can slow healing.
    • Cover with a nonstick bandage.
  • If the area was packed with gauze:
    • Go to your follow-up appointments to have the gauze changed or removed.
    • Your doctor may ask you to remove the gauze. If so, gently pull out all of the gauze when your doctor tells you to.

Felon infection in children: When to call

Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

  • Your child has signs that the infection is getting worse, such as:
    • Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.
    • Red streaks leading from the area.
    • Pus draining from the area.
    • A fever.

Watch closely for changes in your child's health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

  • Your child does not get better as expected.

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The content above contains general health information provided by Healthwise, Incorporated, and reviewed by its medical experts. This content should not replace the advice of your healthcare provider. Not all treatments or services described are offered as services by us. For recommended treatments, please consult your healthcare provider.

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