Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1941-07-12
Better
Health
Hand Infections Often
Lead to Trouble

BY LOGAN CLENDENING, NJ. ID.
INFECTIONS of the hand even
= though APPARENTLY trivial may
have the most serious consequences,
often leading to permanent Grip
ping. These often handicap earn
ing power and skill in occupations.
The hand is a very complicated
organ, and is arranged to perform
its functions by the action of mus
Gle tendons which slide in and out
OF fabricated sheaths. When infec-
ton alights on the tendons and
makes its way along the delicate
sheaths. ii leaves adhesions behind
which forever prevent fine move
ments.
Hand infections arise from in
juries in most cases. OF course, the
hand is very susceptible to pene-
trating injuries.
The public should be educated,
according to an eminent surgeon,
IN the treatment of fresh injuries
of the hand. A first aid dressing
by an experienced surgeon applied
Immediately after an injury may
prevent much serious trouble later.
KNUCKLE WOUNDS
Workingmen should have the
matter constantly emphasized, The
tendency is to regard such an in
jury as trivial and go on working,
but the most apparently trivial in
juries can turn into latent infec-
tons even after a lapse of IL to IA
days.
Wounds around the knuckles,
usually the result of fights, prac-
tically all go septic.
All injuries to the hand should
be treated first to remove grease
and dirt. This can be done with
benzine, followed by soap and
water. All foreign bodies. wire
and glass should be removed and
plain alcohol or boric acid anti
septic dressing applied. In the ex-
perience Of many surgeons. tine
ture of iodine should not be ap-
piled, as it is too strong and in
JureS tissues.
F0LLICLE INFECTIONS
Besides injuries. a form of infec-
ton at first apparently innocent
which may go on to serious conse-
quences is hair follicle infection.
At the onset these may be con-
trolled by a simple treatment
which is to cover the infected area
and hair follicle with a small piece
of adhesive and leave it alone. The
composition of the adhesive part of
adhesive tape is both antiseptic
and soothing in character.
Hair follicle infections on the
back of the hand and the back of
the fingers are different from in
fectionS in other parts or the body
in that they have a tendency to
spread more rapidly in the loose
tissue beneath the skin and also in
that they involve the important
tendon sheaths of the hand.
Very hot. moist packs are useful
in all hand infections in the early
stages. Two points about these
d dressings are important-the
dressing must be large and must
cover a sufficient area so that IL
'splints the fingers and prevents
movements which spread the infec-
ton.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
D. D., Savannah, Mo.-"After a
severe cold have lost my sense of
smell. Please advise what to do"
Answer: Anosmia, or loss of
smell, is common sequel after
nasal infection. 1t is always tenn
porary under these conditions. AS
soon as the basal mucous men,
brane is restored, the sense Of
smell returns.
L. N.-"What are the causes
and cures Of impetigo?"
Answer-Impetigo is'a pus in
lection of the skin around the
nose and mouth, usually occur
ring in infants 1t Is caused by
the ordinary pus germs, sta
phylococcus and streptococcus.
Due to scratching and handling
it may spread very rapidly and
widely and become very serious.
Treatment Is first to restrain the
infants hands and arms to pre-
vent this scratching. Local
treatment consists In the use of
ammoniated mercury ointment.
The scabs may be softened and
removed with sterile olive oil
and sterile dressings should be
applied. In serious case, how
ever. IL is no disease for an
amateur to tackle. A doctor
should be consulted.