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Boils, carbuncles, folliculitis, paronychia and staphylococcal whitlow - Management
What should I do if there is no response to treatment (staphylococcal whitlow)?

  • Urgently discuss further management with a specialist, for example general-, plastic-, or orthopaedic surgeon, depending on local policy.
Basis for recommendation
  • This is pragmatic advice. There is the potential for serious complications (e.g. osteomyelitis) to develop, and serious complications can also occur as a result of inappropriate drainage techniques for staphylococcal whitlow [Lee et al, 2003; Rontal and Bailey, 2005; Vaughn, 2006]. Therefore, if there is no response to treatment, urgent discussion with a specialist is recommended.

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