Hand Infections: An Audit of 160 Infections Treated in an Accident and Emergency Department

160 consecutive hand infections presented to an Accident and Emergency department over a four-month period. All but one were treated solely on an out-patient basis. The mean delay to presentation was three days, the mean duration of treatment was six days. Follow-up to complete resolution was achieved in 89% of cases. No patients were treated with parenteral antibiotics. The need for careful assessment, early aggressive surgery, and meticulous attention to the principles of wound care by experienced clinicians is emphasized.