Mysterious Blister That Won't Heal
I'm a 36-year-old woman in my third trimester of pregnancy, and I’ve developed an unusual growth on my left pinkie finger that resembles a blood blister. This small lesion appeared about a month ago and has not shown any signs of improvement after a week. In an attempt to alleviate it, I used a finger lancet to lance the blister; it bled quite a bit and, although it closed up afterward, it looked even more inflamed. Interestingly, it doesn’t cause me any pain and feels soft to the touch. I examined it closely with a light source and noticed that it contains either a pocket or perhaps the opaque center indicates it's not a blister at all. Just yesterday, I lanced it again; it bled once more, closed up, and seems to have grown larger. I can gently squeeze it, and it leaks blood—useful for my finger prick tests since I have gestational diabetes. The appearance is not very appealing, presenting a purple and light red shade without clear borders, forming a lump about the size of a pea. I’ve done quite a bit of online searching and find myself more confused than before. Unfortunately, I don't possess health insurance and my financial resources are limited. Could anyone offer insights or advice about this situation?
Answers (1)
7/23/2025, 1:10:47 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are dealing with a concerning issue on your finger that has persisted and altered in appearance. Understanding your worry, especially during your third trimester, is important. Here's a breakdown of key points that may help clarify the situation and provide actionable advice.
Main Points:
- The growth on your finger may be a type of vascular lesion, possibly a pyogenic granuloma, which is a common benign condition that can occur in pregnancy.
- Lancing the lesion can lead to more inflammation and bleeding, which may worsen the problem.
- Monitoring the growth carefully is essential, but you can take specific steps to manage it at home.
Explanation: The description you provided—soft, non-painful, and having a tendency to bleed—suggests the possibility of a growth like a pyogenic granuloma, which often appears on areas subjected to minor trauma or irritation. These growths can be quite vascular, leading to bleeding. Even though you are using it to assist with blood sugar testing, it's important to avoid further irritation.
Next Steps:
- Keep It Clean: Gently wash the affected area with mild soap and water daily. Avoid touching it unnecessarily to minimize irritation.
- Avoid Lancing: Cease using the lancet or any sharp object to open the growth, as this can lead to further bleeding and inflammation.
- Monitor Changes: Keep an eye on the lesion for any changes in size, shape, color, or if it becomes painful. Log any noticed changes.
- Protect the Area: Consider covering the growth with a sterile bandage to protect it from additional trauma and reduce the risk of infection.
- Moisturize: If the skin around it feels dry, applying a mild and safe moisturizer may help with healing—be sure to check that it's safe during pregnancy.
If the lesion worsens (increases in size significantly, becomes increasingly painful, or shows signs of infection such as pus or increased redness), it may become necessary to seek medical advice despite financial concerns. Many community health centers offer reduced-cost services, so exploring those options might be helpful if issues arise the following days or weeks.
Remember, while online research can be informative, it can also be misleading without a professional evaluation. Keep an eye on your symptoms, but prioritizing self-care for now is a good way to manage the situation. Let me know if you have any further questions!
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