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Whitlow, or Felon

The severity of the inflammation in whitlow varies considerably; there is the mild form, which generally yields to fomentation with hot water cloths or poultices; and if matter forms, if relieved by the lancet, it speedily heals; but there is a much more formidable affection, in which the deep textures of the finger are involved, accompanied by severe pain, throbbing, and much redness, heat, and swelling. This form is only to be relieved by free and early incisions with the lancet; for if this be neglected, the bones will become affected, and will be destroyed. It would therefore be advisable to submit the finger to the inspection of a surgeon when it does not easily yield to fomentations or a poultice.