bone, joint, and muscle disorders
Hand Infections Caused By Bites
Treatment of Hand Infections Caused By Bites
Thorough cleaning of the wound Antibiotics The injured area should be thoroughly cleaned. Doctors usually do a surgical procedure to make sure they clean out the whole wound. Afterwards, they usually leave the wound open to drain. If the infection is not severe and the wound is not deep, people are given antibiotics by mouth to prevent spread of the infection. If doctors suspect there is an infection in the joint ( Treatment ), antibiotics are given by vein (intravenously) to prevent permanent destruction of the joint. Which antibiotic is effective depends on which bacteria are common in the person’s community. If infection is severe, the person is admitted to the hospital and given antibiotics by vein. The most important measure for preventing infection of a bite wound is to thoroughly clean and drain the wound as soon as possible. People wear a dressing and elevate the hand as much and as often as possible, ideally above the head, to keep the wound clean and minimize swelling. People sometimes wear a splint to keep the hand immobilized in the most functional position to promote healing. This splint helps keep the hand immobilized in a functional position while the wound heals. 