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!
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