Should This Require Medical Attention?
For context, I am a 15-year-old assigned female at birth, currently taking an unspecified dosage of sertraline along with melatonin, which might be either 2 mg or 4 mg taken each night. My only identified conditions relate to mental health or neurodivergence. I have a couple of cuts on the back of my non-dominant hand, each roughly 1 cm in length, located just under the knuckles of my ring and middle fingers. While neither cut is particularly deep—affecting merely the epidermis, in my opinion—they did bleed. The concern arises from the fact that they both have a slight gap between the edges (approximately 5 mm to 8 mm, though I haven’t measured them precisely) and they seem resistant to closing. I'm uncertain how to proceed because the only time the edges come close to aligning normally is when I stretch my fingers back as far as they will go, and that positioning isn't sustainable. There are several stores nearby where I could purchase steri strips, but I’m skeptical about their effectiveness due to the locations of the injuries, the frequent handwashing I practice, and the general way hands are used on a daily basis. What steps should I take next?
Answers (1)
3/25/2025, 9:10:37 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you have a couple of minor cuts on your hand that are not healing as quickly as you'd like. While these injuries are typically manageable at home, there are specific steps you can take to promote healing and avoid complications, especially given their location.
Explanation
Cuts on the hands can be tricky to heal because of constant movement and potential irritation from daily activities. The fact that the cuts have a slight gap and are resistant to closing may indicate that they need a little more assistance to heal properly. Using steri-strips or similar products can help bring the edges of the cuts closer together and create a better environment for healing.
Next Steps
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Clean the Cuts: Wash your hands thoroughly and gently clean the cuts with mild soap and water to remove any dirt or bacteria. Pat them dry with a clean towel.
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Apply a Sterile Dressing: If you can purchase steri-strips, they can be an effective way to help close the gaps. Apply the strips across the cuts, ensuring they pull the skin edges closer together, but not so tight that they cause pain.
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Keep It Covered: If steri-strips aren’t available, a clean bandage can also help protect the cuts from further irritation and keep them moist, which aids healing. Change the bandage daily or if it becomes wet or dirty.
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Monitor for Signs of Infection: Keep an eye on the cuts for any signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, warmth, or pus. If you notice any of these symptoms, it may require further evaluation.
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Limit Hand Movement: Consider minimizing activities that might stretch or strain your fingers, as this could prevent the cuts from closing optimally.
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Avoid Frequent Washing of the Affected Area: While hand hygiene is essential, try not to wash the cuts too frequently, as this can disrupt the healing process. Instead, protect them when washing your hands.
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Be Patient: Healing can take time, so monitor the cuts over the next few days for improvement. They should start to close and heal within a week or so.
If the cuts do not show signs of improvement in a few days, or if you're concerned about their appearance or any pain, consider seeking medical advice.
Let me know if you need more details on any of these steps!
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