Felon incision and drainage: what to know

A felon is a painful infection in the fleshy pad of a finger or thumb. Because swelling is confined within firm tissue spaces, pressure can build and cause throbbing pain. A clinician numbs the digit, makes a small opening in a suitable area, empties the collection and cleans it. A dressing, and sometimes a small drain, may keep the opening from sealing too early. The location and depth of the infection determine the approach.

Tell the clinician about diabetes, reduced immunity, allergies and medicines that affect bleeding. Keep the dressing clean and dry as instructed, raise the hand to limit swelling, and use only the pain relief advised for you. Do not squeeze, pierce or repeatedly soak the fingertip unless instructed. Attend the planned wound check so healing, movement and any need for further treatment can be assessed. Read more about [Abscess Drainage](/treatments/minor-procedures/abscess-drainage/) and [Lidocaine Local Anaesthetic](/materials/lidocaine-local-anaesthetic/).

Seek urgent medical help if redness spreads up the finger or hand, pain rapidly worsens, the fingertip becomes numb or pale, fever develops, or you cannot bend or straighten the digit. Contact the treating service if drainage continues, the dressing becomes soaked, or the wound is not improving. [Cellulitis](/conditions/cellulitis/) can spread beyond the original area, while [Painful Skin](/symptoms/skin-pain/) may need assessment when severe.

Ask where the opening will be, how to protect the nail and sensation, when the dressing should change, whether a drain is needed, and which changes mean the infection needs review.