HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Suggest Treatment Of Superficial Infection On Arm

default
Posted on Tue, 3 Jun 2014
Question: Hi doctor hoping to see if there is anything i can do for my sons hand not sure if its sn infection???


Here is a picture

doctor
Answered by Dr. Karl Logan (12 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Superficial infection

Detailed Answer:
hi,

thanks for your question.

it does look like a significant superficial infection of your sons arm.

I would want to take a swab of that area for the lab as well as do some blood work including a white cell count, ESR, CRP and blood cultures.

if he has significant swelling, bony tenderness, or pain on movement of his wrist he should have X-rays also.

he should start on antibiotics. if he is well and does not feel feverish or sick the. oral antibiotics would be OK. I would start Cephlex. If he has any of he above or his arm does not improve with oral antibiotics then your Dr may want to consider IV antibiotics and some further imaging such as an ultrasound scan or MRI scan to look for a collection.

it is likely that an oral antibiotic will clear this up quite quickly.

I hope this answes your question.

best wishes
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Karl Logan

Orthopaedic Surgeon

Practicing since :1999

Answered : 705 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Suggest Treatment Of Superficial Infection On Arm

Brief Answer: Superficial infection Detailed Answer: hi, thanks for your question. it does look like a significant superficial infection of your sons arm. I would want to take a swab of that area for the lab as well as do some blood work including a white cell count, ESR, CRP and blood cultures. if he has significant swelling, bony tenderness, or pain on movement of his wrist he should have X-rays also. he should start on antibiotics. if he is well and does not feel feverish or sick the. oral antibiotics would be OK. I would start Cephlex. If he has any of he above or his arm does not improve with oral antibiotics then your Dr may want to consider IV antibiotics and some further imaging such as an ultrasound scan or MRI scan to look for a collection. it is likely that an oral antibiotic will clear this up quite quickly. I hope this answes your question. best wishes