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Dirty hands are one of the common causes of the development of dangerous diseases. Neglect of personal hygiene rules and poorly washed products increase the risk of pathogenic bacteria entering the body. Infectious agents can exist and multiply for a long time on surfaces touched by humans. Harmful microorganisms can survive even when frozen. An acute intestinal infection can be caught from drinking a cocktail with ice if, for example, the ice was made from dirty water.

Types of infections

Most often, various intestinal infections occur due to unwashed hands:

1. Salmonellosis. A disease caused by the Salmonella bacterium. The main symptoms of infection are a sharp increase in body temperature, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea.
2. Bacterial dysentery (shigellosis). A group of intestinal diseases caused by gram-negative pathogens - Shigella. Shigella often enters the body from unwashed hands. Manifested by intoxication of the large intestine. Accompanied by vomiting, nausea and diarrhea.
3. Hepatitis A. Pathology disrupts liver function and can lead to irreversible damage. Intoxication is characterized by fever, accompanied by pain in the muscles and the area of ​​the right hypochondrium, as well as general weakness and lack of appetite.
4. Parasitic infestations. A striking example of the diseases of dirty hands. Infestations by parasites are often disguised as intestinal disorders, allergic reactions, or colds. Infection with some types of helminths leads to enterobiasis and causes serious complications.
5. Rotovirus and enterovirus infections. These are acute infectious diseases caused by intestinal viruses. They often occur with damage to the muscles, central nervous system and skin. Manifested by frequent bowel movements and skin rashes. In some cases, symptoms of ARVI may appear, for example, cough, runny nose, fever. Transmitted by food, oral-fecal and airborne routes.
6. Cholera. A serious illness that causes severe diarrhea, dehydration and vascular insufficiency. Occurs when strains of the bacterium Vibriocholerae enter the body. The pathology is manifested by intense thirst, watery stools, muscle spasms, decreased tissue elasticity, and anuria (lack of urine). In cholera, the feces become watery, white, and resemble rice water.

Another dangerous infectious disease is typhoid fever. Direct (fecal-oral) transmission from a carrier is one of the reasons why typhus is called the disease of dirty hands. You can become infected through water or food, as well as through direct contact with an infected person. Typhoid fever is one of the types of salmonella infections. The pathology is manifested by weakness, general malaise, headache, fever, and rash in the sternum. In severe cases, swelling of the larynx and tongue occurs, which can cause loss of consciousness.

In addition, diseases of dirty hands include such pathologies as:

• Scabies. An infectious disease caused by microscopic skin mites. It manifests itself as a characteristic rash and itching. It usually affects the skin of the hands, knees, shoulders, and genitals. Transmitted by contact.
• Stomatitis. Inflammation of areas of the mucous membranes of the oral cavity may be associated with infection by viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Insufficient hand and oral hygiene increases the likelihood of developing the disease. The disease is characterized by the appearance of ulcers on the inner surface of the cheeks and tongue, burning, soreness of the gums and other symptoms.
• Conjunctivitis. Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eye is provoked by a bacterial, viral or fungal infection. The disease occurs with redness and swelling of the eyelids, dryness and a feeling of sand in the eyes.
• Pseudotuberculosis. The disease develops against the background of non-compliance with hand hygiene, as well as when consuming unwashed vegetables, raw water or milk. Characterized by headaches, chills, and fever. Subsequently, diarrhea and vomiting, pain in joints and muscles occur.

Diseases and injuries of the hand

Synovial cyst (hygroma) is the most common tumor-like disease of the hand. Essentially, it is a cavity filled with synovial fluid. The most common location on the hand is the dorsum of the wrist; it can also occur on the fingers and palm. More common in young and middle-aged women. The patient may be bothered by pain in the area of ​​the tumor, both during exercise and at rest, or only a cosmetic defect - the presence of a visible tumor.

Sometimes synovial cysts disappear spontaneously, but after a while they can appear again. Surgical treatment is excision of the hygroma followed by histological examination. After surgery on the wrist joint, immobilization with a removable plaster splint for 3 weeks is recommended to form a denser scar and reduce the likelihood of relapse.

Dupuytren's contracture is a very common disease, especially in older men. It is characterized by the appearance of dense cords on the palmar surface of the hand, causing inconvenience during work and at home, often limiting the extension of the fingers, which causes even greater discomfort to patients.

During the operation, the cord is excised along its entire length from one or several approaches. It is especially important to minimize the likelihood of injury to the digital nerves, which are sometimes literally woven into it. After the operation, the finger is removed from the contracture gradually, first with a special bandage, and then with the help of a functional splint. Postoperative observation by the attending physician and compliance with his recommendations reduce the likelihood of relapse of the disease.

Snapping finger (stenosing ligamentitis), de Quervain's disease (stenosis of the 1st extensor canal, tenosynovitis of the radial styloid process) are quite common diseases. Those most susceptible to them are those who, at work or at home, are forced to perform monotonous movements for a long time without the ability to change the position of the hand - painters, assembly line workers, computer typing operators, etc.

The name of the disease “snapping finger” speaks for itself. After a prolonged monotonous load or for no apparent reason, when trying to bend the finger, it is fixed in this position, and extension then occurs with a characteristic click. At some point, the finger may “lock” for a long time, and any movements will cause pain. Stenosis of the 1st extensor canal is characterized mainly by pain and limited abduction of the first finger away from the palm.

Conservative treatment (injections of steroid hormones) is dangerous due to the possibility of progression of degenerative changes in the tendons, up to necrosis. Surgical treatment consists of cutting the wall of the canal in which the tendon passes; sometimes, in the case of de Quervain's disease, according to published data, there can be up to six of these canals. After pain relief and wound healing, the person returns to normal activity.

Carpal tunnel syndrome (compression of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel) is characterized by night pain in the affected hand, limitation of its function, decreased sensitivity of the 1st-2-3rd and partially the 4th fingers. Pain can persist for ten years or more, during which time patients undergo courses of conservative treatment without success. The causes of compression of the median nerve can be different, including a tumor. The diagnosis is confirmed by ultrasound, and radiography is also required.

Surgical treatment – ​​dissection of the wall of the carpal canal. For rest from a week to two, in addition to the bandage, an orthosis is applied; in the postoperative period, exercise therapy, physical therapy, and neurotropic therapy (B vitamins) are prescribed.

Synovitis and tenosynovitis are tumor-like diseases of the hand, characterized by excessive growth of the tendon sheath. The most common type is nodular giant cell tenosynovitis, or gigantoma. Surgical treatment involves excision of altered tissues followed by histological examination. When removing an extensive gigantoma, sometimes covering the finger circularly, it is very important to keep the finger itself viable, minimizing injury to its blood vessels. Sometimes, for this purpose, surgical treatment is carried out in stages.

Benign neoplasms of short bones of the upper extremities - ec- and enchondromas, osteochondral exostoses, heterotopic ossifications, etc. The clinical picture varies depending on the type of neoplasm and its location. Enchondroma is most often detected as an x-ray finding in trauma. Treatment is surgical; after excochleation (removal) of the ec- or enchodroma, the defect in the bone is filled with plastic material or bone tissue from the patient himself from the donor site (for example, from the radius). After bone grafting, observation and staged X-ray examinations are necessary - on the first day after surgery, after six months and one year, then as indicated.

Treatment of improperly healed fractures and chronic dislocations of the metacarpal bones, phalanges of the fingers, wrist bones

Surgical treatment of the consequences of injury is usually more technically complex than treatment in a fresh case. Retraction of soft tissues, formation of cicatricial adhesions and callus complicate reposition and elimination of dislocation. Sometimes restoration of correct anatomical relationships becomes possible only during long-term staged treatment. If we are talking about the use of metal structures, then, as a rule, they are subsequently removed. And, of course, a necessary component of treatment is rehabilitation, which includes, first of all, special physical therapy exercises, as well as physical therapy.

Treatment of consequences of injuries to muscles, tendons and nerves of the upper limb

Certain technical difficulties also arise in the surgical treatment of the consequences of soft tissue injuries of the upper limb. And they are also associated with tissue retraction and scar formation - an integral part of the regeneration process. On the other hand, the presence of an infected wound sometimes makes it impossible to restore damaged elements immediately after injury due to the danger of postoperative suppuration.

Methods of surgical treatment of the consequences of tendon injuries are very diverse, including both delayed suture and all kinds of plastic reconstructive operations, including the use of removable metal fixators or permanent biodegradable implants (for example, tendon anchors), tendon prostheses and donor “low-value” » the tendons of the patient himself. Reconstruction options are discussed with each patient individually. As a rule, after surgery, immobilization is carried out using orthoses or braces.

It makes no sense to restore a tendon if there is no possibility of postoperative rehabilitation and the patient does not comply with all the recommendations of the attending physician.

Treatment of the consequences of nerve injuries has its own characteristics. The prognosis directly depends on the level of damage, the mechanism of injury and its duration. As a rule, complete restoration of sensitivity does not occur. In a small area, it can recover spontaneously over time due to the nerve fibers of neighboring areas. It is recommended to restore damaged nerves long after the injury. When suturing a nerve with a small diameter, it may be necessary to use microsurgical techniques. In the postoperative period, physical therapy, physiotherapy, and neurotropic therapy are prescribed.

Parasitic diseases

Helminthic and protozoal infestations can easily be classified as diseases of dirty hands. The most common among them are ascariasis and giardiasis. Cysticercosis, or pork tapeworm infection, is a particular danger. A number of researchers in their scientific work indicate that “with damage to the brain and spinal cord, eyes, lungs, heart, liver, kidneys, the course of the disease becomes severe and acquires a serious prognosis (the danger of death remains constant)” (Polyakov V. E., Lysenko A. Ya., Konstantinova T. N. and Avdyukhina T. I., 2004, p. 57).

There are nonspecific symptoms of helminthic and protozoal infestations: fatigue, headaches, bruxism (teeth grinding), cough that cannot be effectively treated, allergic and neurological symptoms, bowel and digestive disorders, weight loss, etc. Timely consultation with a doctor is the only way to diagnose the species parasite and choose the right treatment tactics.

Treatment of hand pain

Therapy depends on the cause of hand pain. To relieve the wrist joint, the doctor may recommend wearing orthoses5, using bandages6 or taping6,9. Treatment also includes:

• rest and cold compress2:
• special training regimen5;
• physiotherapy6,12;
• massage12;
• physical therapy4,5;
• drug treatment5,6,18.

If necessary, surgical2 or orthopedic correction10 is performed.

MOTRIN® can be used to relieve pain. Its active component, naproxen, has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. MOTRIN® can be used to combat pain after sprains and bruises, osteoarthritis, tendovaginitis, osteochondrosis and soft tissue damage due to rheumatism7. One dose of MOTRIN® is sufficient for up to 12 hours7.

Sources of disease

An infected person, an asymptomatic carrier of the disease, water or food can be a source of intestinal infections. Infection with a viral infection occurs through contact with another person, consumption of contaminated products, or use of shared hygiene products.

Many bacterial and viral intestinal infections are transmitted through dirty dishes, toys, household items and even a smartphone. At the same time, the causative agents of the disease are quite resistant to environmental factors - they can live on fruits and vegetables for weeks, and in water for months. Their favorite habitat is dairy, meat and fish products.

A pathogen such as Giardia cysts can live quietly in a humid external environment for up to 2 months or more. In this case, infection is possible by drinking unboiled water; contact with the carrier is not necessary.

Treatment of diseases transmitted through dirty hands

Accurate diagnosis is the key to effective treatment. A doctor will help you establish a diagnosis; he will direct you to a number of studies: bacteriological analysis for infections, serology. Sometimes hardware diagnostic methods may also be required.

The course of treatment is aimed at eliminating the causative agent of the disease. So, the doctor may prescribe the following medications:

• antibiotics, intestinal antiseptics;
• antiviral drugs;
• antifungal agents;
• antiprotozoal and anthelmintic drugs.

Painkillers and antispasmodics, antihistamines, antipyretics and other medications are prescribed as symptomatic therapy. For skin manifestations of parasitosis, the doctor may supplement the course with local antipruritic and anti-inflammatory drugs. Also, in most cases, a special diet will be required.

Most diseases of dirty hands manifest themselves with acute symptoms. But even in the absence of such, it is important to maintain an optimal diet - this will help you recover faster and alleviate the condition.

Acute bacterial and viral intestinal infections require a gentle diet. It is important to avoid foods that irritate the intestinal mucous membranes and also cause increased gas formation. Sweets, fatty foods, fried and peppered foods, soda, strong coffee, alcoholic drinks, concentrated juices, baked goods and brown bread, pasta, raw fruits and vegetables are prohibited.

If you have diarrhea, you need to eat small portions. It is better to give preference to astringent products, rice, crackers, jelly, etc. Poultry, fish and meat should be carefully processed - boiled or steamed.

For pathologies of viral origin, symptomatic treatment is most often recommended:

• Drink plenty of fluids to replenish fluid balance. The use of dehydration agents is also allowed.
• A gentle diet and proper rest. In the acute period, bed rest and symptomatic treatment are indicated.
• Taking sorbents that relieve intoxication and normalize the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.

One of the effective means for eliminating the consequences of intestinal infections is the English biocomplex “Fitomucil Sorbent Forte”. The drug contains plantain seeds (psyllium), a prebiotic (inulin) and an active probiotic complex. The product reduces the manifestations of intoxication, stimulates the growth of beneficial intestinal microflora, and has a beneficial effect on the immune system. "Fitomucil Sorbent Forte" is gentle on the intestinal walls and does not cause bloating or abdominal pain.

If you experience any intestinal or other infection, you should immediately consult a doctor. Only a specialist can determine the cause and prescribe the correct treatment.

Diagnosis of pain in the hands

Various doctors - traumatologists, orthopedists, rheumatologists and neurologists - are involved in identifying the causes of pain in the hands. A therapist usually refers you to the right specialist after an examination. If necessary, the specialist prescribes an x-ray or MRI and refers you for tests.

At your appointment, tell your doctor what symptoms bother you, in addition to pain:

• whether there was redness or swelling in the wrist or fingers10;
• is there any restriction of movement in the joints10;
• how long ago did the deformation occur?10;
• what movements provoke pain6;
• Is it accompanied by numbness and weakness of the hands6.

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