Diagnosis and Management of Common Hand Infections

» While many hand infections are superficial, diligent evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of these infections are central for preventing disability and morbidity. » Maintaining a wide differential diagnosis is important as some hand infections may mimic others. » In geographic areas with more than a 10% to 15% prevalence of community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) hand infections, empiric antibiotics should adequately cover MRSA. » Once culture results are available, antibiotic regimens should be narrowed to reduce the development of resistant pathogens.