A brace is a purulent inflammation that usually develops on the fingers. Usually, the brace occurs as a result of being stabbed by a contaminated object. The most common form is skin strut, which, depending on the depth of inflammation, has several types. How is brace treated?

Bracingis usually not deep and concerns the epidermis and tissues close to the surface. In this case, it is purulent inflammation that most often causes nagging pain, which usually increases at night. Although the symptoms of a brace may appear to be a minor ailment, sometimes serious complications can occur. In the worst case, purulent inflammation can even damage the function of the hand, which is why it is so important to treat the brace.

How is a brace made? - reasons

The formation of a brace is usually associated with a small stab wound in the fingertip. The puncture most often occurs as a result of the epidermis coming into contact with a needle or a splinter. However, for purulent inflammation to occur, the prick itself is not enough, the stinging object must be contaminated. Only then the pathogenic microorganisms found on it reach the tissues and cause infection at the injection site.

Bacterial infection is most often caused by Staphylococcus aureus, or the golden staph.

What are the different types of brace?

The brace can be of different types. This division is associated with the place on the fingers of the hand where the inflammatory process has developed. It is distinguished by:

  • skin brace- this is the most common type of inflammation and affects the fingertip, where the infection affects the tissues just below the thickened epidermis,
  • subcutaneous brace- in this type of pus is deeper, but still in the subcutaneous tissue,
  • tendon brace- if this type of brace is found, it is worth knowing that the tendon sheath has already been damaged and the infection is extensive,
  • articular brace- in this case, the infection causes changes in the joints that, if left untreated, may be irreversible,
  • bone strut- the most extensive infection that affects not only the skeletal system, but can also lead to infection of the entire body; requires ruthless treatment.

Brace - symptoms

Most oftenthe existing type of brace, i.e.skin brace , is manifested by throbbing, severe pain in the fingertip. These ailments worsen mainly at night. Additionally, in the place where the brace occurs, the following appears:

  • swelling
  • redness
  • voltage

As infection progresses, pus appears. Under its influence, the finger may change color at the site of the puncture to yellow or green.

In more advanced types of brace , the following symptoms appear . In the strut:

  • subcutaneous - the pain is stronger than in the dermal brace and also occurs during pressure or lowering the hand
  • tendon - there are all the symptoms that are characteristic of shallower braces, and additionally there is a finger contracture and severe pain when trying to straighten it
  • articular - in addition to the aforementioned symptoms, the joint may become red and limit its mobility; patients may also experience general symptoms such as chills and high temperature
  • bone - the symptoms are the most advanced and it causes bone demineralization, and in the worst case also tissue necrosis

What is the treatment of a brace?

Home remedies are effective in treating skin brace at the initial stage of inflammation. For example, wraps with:

  • plantain (fresh leaves)
  • sage (brew an infusion and soak in gauze)

For the same purpose, you can use baking soda, dissolve a teaspoon of which in water, and then prepare gauze compresses. The swelling will also be reduced by soap baths. It is enough to dissolve the gray soap in lukewarm water and soak the finger affected by inflammation in it.

However, if the discomforts related to the brace do not subside, and they intensify, you should consult a specialist. In such a situation, the doctor usually makes a longitudinal incision, thanks to which the pus is released and the pain passes quickly. If the patient is diagnosed withsubcutaneous brace , antibiotics are additionally added to the therapy.

In the more advanced stage of the brace (e.g. inof the tendon brace ), the hand becomes immobilized after the lateral incision surgery.

In turn,in the joint brace , the joint cavity with purulent discharge is additionally rinsed, and the curettage of the dead tissues is also performed. In these patients, the hand is also immobilized.

Removal of pus, curettage, immobilization and antibiotic therapy are also implemented in people diagnosed witharmsbony .

Category:

Dermatology