Dorsal Hand Cellulitis - Don't Let it Spread!

Author

Jesse Dashe MD
October 09, 2023

Topic: Dorsal Hand Cellulitis

Greetings colleagues,

Welcome to the Hands-On The East Bay Newsletter, which summarizes key topics in hand surgery for providers on the front lines. I'm Dr. Jesse Dashe, an orthopedic hand surgeon at the East Bay Hand Medical Center.

Question:

What is it?

Answer: 

Diffuse cellulitis spreading across the dorsum of the hand, without abscess or purulence.

Dorsal Hand Cellulitis

Question:

What causes it?

Answer: 

Often . . . No known cause!!!

Other causes are:

  • Trauma: ie wounds or IV drug use

  • Spread from an infected finger

Dorsal Hand Cellulitis

Question:

How is it treated?

Answer: 

  • Workup with: CBC, BMP, ESR, CRP and xrays

  • Admission

  • Broad spectrum IV antibiotics

  • Elevation above the heart

  • Surgical debridement often not needed

  • Supportive care

  • HAND SURGERY CONSULT!

Dorsal Hand Cellulitis

Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or would like to refer any patients. You can refer patients at handreferral.com or by using this link:

If you need to reach me directly, please respond to this email or email me at [email protected].

Please contact me so I can come by your facility to meet face-to-face and/or give presentations, splinting sessions, etc.

Lastly, let me know if you have any other hand topics you would like covered in the future!

Sincerely,