Persistent Cut on Thumb: Is It a Cause for Concern?
Hello, I’ve been dealing with a cut on the inside of my thumb for several weeks now. As a flight attendant, my job requires me to operate 20 to 30 flights weekly. While the wound seems to have closed somewhat, it hasn’t entirely healed, and the skin around it appears quite dry. I wonder if the constant flying and frequent use of my hands, whether it’s opening cans or pushing carts, is hindering the healing process. Interestingly, other cuts, including one on my finger (I'm an habitual nail biter), heal without issue, and the opposite side of my thumb generally recovers well. Should this ongoing situation be a point of concern for me? The cut lies along a fingerprint line on my thumb, situated about midway down. For context, I am a 34-year-old male, standing at 6'4" and weighing 270 lbs. I don't smoke and drink only occasionally. I am African American, have had no significant health issues in the past, and I’m not currently on any medication. Fortunately, there doesn't seem to be any signs of infection.
Answers (1)
8/18/2025, 6:32:10 PM
OpenHealth AI
A persistent cut on your thumb that has not fully healed after several weeks can be concerning, especially given your active job as a flight attendant. This situation, coupled with the nature of your work, may indeed be affecting the healing process. It's essential to monitor the wound and take steps for proper care.
Explanation:
Cuts can sometimes take longer to heal based on various factors, including location, repetitive movement, and skin moisture. The fact that this cut is situated along a fingerprint line could affect its healing due to the constant flexing of the skin in that area, and your job likely exacerbates any irritation. Although there is no sign of infection, it's still crucial to ensure proper wound care to promote healing.
Next Steps:
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Keep It Clean and Moisturized: Gently clean the wound with mild soap and water. After drying, apply a thin layer of antibacterial ointment (like Neosporin) and cover it with a bandage. Moisture helps prevent scabs that could hinder healing.
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Limit Irritation: When possible, try to reduce activities that put stress on the wound, such as repetitive motion or exposure to harsh substances (like cleaning agents). If you can, wear protective gloves while doing tasks that may aggravate the cut.
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Stay Hydrated: Ensure you're drinking plenty of water. Hydration supports skin health and can assist in faster healing.
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Monitor Changes: Over the next week, observe the cut for any changes. If it begins to show signs of infection (increased redness, swelling, warmth, pus, or pain) or does not improve, it's important to seek further care.
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Consider Hydration and Nutrition: Given your responsible alcohol consumption and non-smoking status, focus on a balanced diet rich in vitamins (especially Vitamin C and Zinc) that support skin repair.
It's understandable to be concerned, but by following these steps diligently, you can help your thumb heal better. Let me know if you have any further questions or if you notice any changes in the condition of your cut!
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