Skin & Soft Tissue: Felon

Definition

• Definition: Abscess of the Digital Pulp
• Most Common in Thumb & Index Finger

Causes

• Usually from Innocuous Penetrating Injury (Splinter/Glass)
• Untreated Acute Paronychia

Presentation

• Severe & Throbbing Pain
  • Worse in Dependent Position
• Cellulitis
• Tense Swelling of Digital Pulp of the Distal Phalanx

Treatment

• Primary Treatment: Incision & Drainage with Antibiotics for 5-14 Days
• Incision: Midline (Avoid Nerve Injury) Longitudinal Incision of the Volar Surface