Persistent Cut on Thumb After Prolonged Steroid Use
I'm a 42-year-old woman, standing at 5'3" and weighing 170 pounds, with a medical history that includes asthma, environmental allergies, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), chronic pneumonia, and sinus and ear conditions. My medication regimen includes Singular, Pulmicort, Pepcid, Effexor, Zyrtec, and Labetalol. About a month ago, while preparing vegetables, I accidentally sliced my thumb with a knife. At that time, I was undergoing an extensive course of prednisone lasting close to three months due to an upper respiratory infection, followed by COVID-19 and pneumonia, which later escalated to a sinus infection and double ear infections. This means I’ve been on prednisone daily throughout this period. I completely stopped taking the steroids around two weeks ago, but the cut remains problematic. Unfortunately, the wound is not showing any signs of healing; it appears to be opening more and is producing discharge, accompanied by significant discomfort. I have been diligently changing the bandage several times a day, cleaning the area, and sometimes applying Neosporin, but the situation seems to be deteriorating. Although I’ve ruled out an infection—there's no redness, streaking, or rash, and I don’t have a fever—this non-healing injury is unusual for me as I am not diabetic. I’m uncertain about how to effectively address this issue. I have an appointment with a doctor later this week, but I am eager to hear alternative suggestions or advice on managing and aiding the healing process for this cut.
Answers (1)
8/13/2025, 4:11:29 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're dealing with a frustrating and persistent cut on your thumb, especially after a significant course of prednisone treatment. This can impact your wound healing, and it's good to know you have a doctor's appointment coming up. Here’s how you can effectively manage the situation in the meantime.
Key Points:
- Persistent cut may be due to the effects of long-term steroid use, which can impair healing.
- Current symptoms include discomfort and discharge, but no signs of infection are present.
- Continue with proper wound care while considering additional strategies to promote healing.
Explanation:
Long-term use of corticosteroids like prednisone can influence your body’s ability to heal wounds. They can affect skin integrity and the inflammatory process essential for healing. The discomfort and lack of healing you are experiencing are understandable given your recent medical history.
Next Steps:
-
Continue Proper Wound Care:
- Keep the cut clean by gently washing it with mild soap and water daily.
- Ensure you are applying a clean, sterile dressing after cleaning.
- If Neosporin isn’t showing improvements, consider using just a hydrocolloid dressing, which can create a moist healing environment.
-
Promote Healing with Nutrition:
- Focus on a balanced diet with plenty of protein (like lean meats, beans, nuts) and vitamins, particularly Vitamin C (found in citrus fruits) and zinc (in meats and seeds), which are important for skin healing.
-
Minimize Irritation:
- Avoid exposing your cut to excessive moisture or friction.
- Avoid any activities that may further irritate the area, such as heavy lifting or repetitive movements with your hand.
-
Monitor Symptoms:
- Keep an eye on any changes in the cut, such as increased redness, swelling, or discharge, despite no current signs of infection. Document any changes to discuss with your doctor.
-
Pain Management:
- If you're experiencing significant pain, consider over-the-counter pain relief (such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen) as needed.
Since you're scheduled to see your healthcare provider soon, this information can be useful for that discussion. They may consider advanced treatments if healing does not improve, such as topical growth factors or specialized dressings.
Feel free to reach out if you need further assistance or clarification on any aspect. Take care, and I hope your injury begins to heal soon!
Related Questions
Concerns About My Eye Condition
I'm a 19-year-old female, weighing 190 pounds and standing 5'5". Lately, I’ve noticed some troubling changes in my eyes. There are prominent, red veins extending from the inner corners of my eyes into the irises. Additionally, there are bright red streaks and pools forming at the lower part of both eyes beneath the eyelids, bordered by a yellowish hue. When I consulted two different doctors, they were unable to pinpoint the issue and simply recommended lubricating eye drops. Unfortunately, the condition seems to be deteriorating, with the redness spreading further. While there is no significant pain, keeping my eyes open feels like a struggle, and my vision has become increasingly blurry, leading to some headaches. I’ve been unwell recently, but I’m uncertain if this has any relevance to my eye problems. Any advice or insights would be immensely helpful.
Experiencing Numbness in the Right Arm or Leg?
Hello! I’m a 17-year-old assigned female at birth, weighing approximately 110 pounds and standing around 5 feet 2-3 inches tall. At the moment, I’m not taking any medications and I don’t smoke. Recently, I’ve been facing a peculiar issue where my right leg or arm occasionally becomes numb. This sensation only impacts my right side and never the left. It can occur at any time, both during day and night. Typically, the numbness in my leg arises when I’m lying in bed, although I also experience it randomly throughout the day. I’m curious if anyone has any insights or thoughts about whether this could be something more serious than just a problem with my posture, haha!
Concerns About Telemedicine during a Drive
Hello everyone, I'm a 28-year-old woman with a background of thyroid cancer, necessitating routine check-ups every six months. Recently, a question came to my mind regarding the professional conduct of my primary care physician. I was taken aback to learn that she participated in my telemedicine appointment while driving. I've noticed her appearing somewhat distracted during our in-person visits and at times, she forgets the medications we discuss during our reviews, but this situation felt even more inappropriate. It’s challenging for me to comprehend why I’m spending $450 post-insurance for what feels like a casual video call when it’s clear she is multitasking. Although I've been under her care for about two years, I'm eager to find a practitioner who will genuinely take the time to understand my health history and build a long-term relationship. I appreciate any insights you can offer!
Concerns About a Recent Lump on My Shaft: Seeking Guidance
I’m a 20-year-old male with allergies primarily to wood, pollen, and grass, which used to cause me hives, but that issue has resolved. Now, to address the main concern. I found a lump on my shaft while showering yesterday morning, and it caught me off guard. Up until now, I haven’t experienced any discomfort, and I still feel largely fine. The size of the lump is similar to that of a pimple or possibly a cyst, but I'm unsure. I'm contemplating whether it would be wise to consult a doctor about this issue, as I want to be informed on how to proceed. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Should We Handle This Ear Issue at Home or Seek Medical Attention?
I’m sharing this on behalf of my husband, a 33-year-old male who is not currently taking any medications and has no known chronic conditions. The only relevant detail is that he has a significant issue with earwax accumulation. At times, this leads to noticeable deposits on his pillow when he sleeps on his side, affecting his hearing. For the past few days, his ear has exhibited symptoms similar to what is often seen in various ear conditions. He reports feeling a sense of discomfort, although there is no pain or itchiness involved. Touching or tugging on the tragus and surrounding areas does not elicit any pain. He’s uncertain why there are scabs around this area. He mentioned experiencing a sensation of fluid inside the ear yesterday, prompting him to use some over-the-counter peroxide drops to help clear it out. He described the output as a thick, opaque discharge resembling earwax, but darker and more liquid in texture. Today, while the fullness sensation seems to have diminished, the discomfort remains. His other ear appears normal, perhaps just slightly dry, but nothing more than what is typical for ears. Given this information, I'd like to know whether this is a situation he can manage at home or one that warrants a visit to urgent care. Additionally, what might be the underlying issue?