How can you get a bacterial infection on the fingertips ?

Fingertips: are repeatedly in contact with bacteria. Most surfaces that your fingertips touch are contaminated with bacteria. Tiny (even microscopic) breaks in the skin of your fingertips can result in bacteria causing an infection. Anything that results in drying of the skin or friction on the fingertips makes it more likely for a bacterial infection to occur. Prevent with frequent hand washing and moisture

More info please: I don't know a medical condition that would cause infection of several fingertips. If just 1-2 fingers, maybe an inflamed or infected hangnail? Or infection after minor injury, e.g. a pimple-like lesion after a pin-prick? If severely painful, maybe herpes whitlow (easily confused w/ bacterial infec), esp if you have newly acquired herpes elsewhere (mouth, genital). Re-post with more information.