Unexpected Bump on My Finger
Age: 30, Height: 5'3", Weight: 116 lbs (ranges from 110 to 125 lbs) - Ethnicity: White/Hispanic Recently, I discovered a small bump on my finger right after I was cleaning some adhesive residue from my car's windshield. I’m quite certain this lump wasn’t present before I began the cleaning process, as I used that hand to scrub with a cloth and would have definitely noticed a small, red bump. Initially, the lump was tiny and red; however, it has grown to the size it currently is and has remained unchanged for several days. Additionally, I experienced a very painful protrusion on my elbow that lasted about 45 minutes before fading away. I often deal with eczema on my elbows and palms, and my first thought was that it might be an eczema flare-up. However, since I've never had hives, I'm uncertain about that. The only similar experience I've had was with a plantar wart on my foot, but this doesn’t seem like a wart given how swiftly it appeared. It isn’t a blister—there's no fluid involved, and it feels hard and tender. I now have a gut feeling that this could be a joint nodule stemming from some form of autoimmune arthritis. I've been undergoing treatment with a chiropractor and physical therapist for issues related to sciatica as well as tingling and numbness in my toes and fingers. Initially, I thought it might be a result of muscle tension or carpal tunnel syndrome. However, I've noticed that the discomfort worsens after consuming highly inflammatory foods, such as fast food or ice cream. I’ve been focusing on a diet rich in whole, clean foods for the past couple of months, which has improved my overall joint pain, yet this lump appeared unexpectedly. I hesitate to rush to my doctor about this issue since I've already been adopting their advice for managing arthritis—focusing on anti-inflammatory eating and engaging in low-impact exercises. I've dealt with joint aches and popping knees since I was a teenager, which adds to my concern. I take glucosamine/MSM and hyaluronic acid every day, and those have contributed to joint comfort over the last three years when the discomfort and joint noises increased. There was a time when I would wake up often due to knee pain that disturbed my sleep, but that situation has improved since I began chiropractic treatments. I would appreciate any insights or experiences related to this. Am I being overly concerned about this situation?
Answers (1)
9/4/2025, 12:20:43 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel concerned about a new and painful bump on your finger, especially given your existing joint issues and experience with eczema. Here’s a breakdown of what you’re experiencing and steps you can take.
Main Points:
- The bump and pain could be related to several conditions, including irritation from cleaning, an inflammatory response like eczema, or a possible cyst or nodule.
- Pay careful attention to any changes in the bump’s appearance or symptoms you experience.
Explanation:
The lump on your finger may have appeared due to an irritation or a localized inflammatory reaction from cleaning the adhesive. Since you mentioned your history of eczema, it’s possible the bump could relate to that or perhaps even a minor allergic reaction. Additionally, bumps on fingers can sometimes be caused by ganglion cysts or other benign growths, particularly if they feel hard and tender.
Considering your mention of joint issues and diet, it’s good that you've shifted towards an anti-inflammatory diet, as this can help overall joint health. However, if this bump feels 'hard and tender' and persists, it's important to monitor it closely.
Next Steps:
-
Monitor the Bump: Keep an eye on its size, color, and any associated symptoms (like pain or immobilization). If it changes significantly or worsens, this will be crucial information.
-
Nurture Your Skin: Since you have a history of eczema, apply a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer to the area to soothe it and prevent further irritation.
-
Avoid Irritants: Be mindful of any products you use on your skin, especially around the time you found the bump. If you suspect it was related to the cleaning process, consider using protective gloves next time.
-
Diet Awareness: Since you noted that inflammation worsens after eating certain foods, continue monitoring your diet for known triggers and maintain your current anti-inflammatory approach.
-
Pain Management: If the bump is painful, consider using a cold compress on the area for short periods to reduce discomfort.
-
Symptom Journal: Keep a record of any new symptoms, changes in the bump, and the context in which they occur (like after exercise or eating certain foods) to help identify patterns.
If any new concerning symptoms arise, such as severe pain, spreading redness, or changes in function (like difficulty using your hand), revisiting your healthcare provider would be advisable. Given your existing conditions and experiences, staying connected with your doctor for ongoing support is important, even if you don’t feel an immediate need to see them.
Related Questions
Concerns About My Toes
Age: 30, Female Currently, I am on the lookout for a reputable podiatrist in my vicinity. However, I've encountered a perplexing issue with my foot. Just last night, I noticed a growth on the side of my toe, something entirely new to me. I maintain a nutritious diet and have a demanding job that requires me to be on my feet quite often. My footwear includes brands such as Brooks Ghost Runners, Hoka Bondi 9’s, and Nike Motiva’s, and I don’t opt for restrictive socks. I also apply Vick’s Vaporub to my feet, a practice handed down from my family, and stick with simple, non-fragrant lotions like Vanicream and CeraVe SA Cream for my skin. In addition, I am curious about the my big toenail's change in color. What might be the underlying reasons for this? Also, I have these persistent dark spots on my toes that I've struggled with since my days on the runway. Despite my efforts, nothing has succeeded in lightening or diminishing their appearance. I'm just looking to determine if there might have been a factor from the past that could have contributed to these issues. I’m not sure what else to include, but I’m open to answering any questions you might have. Thank you for your attention! Best wishes from a worried soul!
Strange Jelly-Like Substance Observed from Wound
I’m a 21-year-old female living with an auto-inflammatory condition known as hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). Recently, I've experienced a concerning issue with one of my wounds. This particular wound causes significant pain and excessive bleeding. However, whenever I attend to it, I tend to find this unusual jelly-like substance present within it. Interestingly, this phenomenon has only occurred with this one wound and not any of the others I have. The bleeding seems to persist until I manage to remove this jelly substance, after which it typically slows down and comes to a halt completely. I’m seeking insights into what this might signify so that I can effectively discuss it with my healthcare provider.
Battling Chronic Nausea and Vomiting for Over Two Years
For the past two years, I (age 26, female) have been enduring an incredibly challenging health situation. I experience intense nausea daily and find myself vomiting numerous times, with almost nothing providing relief. To provide some background, I’m from West Texas and I currently weigh around 190 pounds, standing at 5’7”. Initially, my weight was about 211 pounds when these symptoms began, and it fluctuates frequently between 190 and 225 pounds. I engage in vaping and consume THC. Previously diagnosed with hypothyroidism, my condition seemingly resolved, according to my healthcare providers. Additionally, I have polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). I have consistently faced irregular bowel movements, with stools that are loose and sometimes appear to have mucus. Compounding my struggles, I've also suffered from migraines. I have had an IUD for over five years, experiencing two insertions of the Kyleena device. In December 2022, my battle with health took a severe turn when I was diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, requiring chemotherapy treatment, specifically AVBD (Apologies for not recalling the exact medication names). By July 2023, I had fortunately achieved remission. However, after reaching remission, my vomiting worsened, transforming from primarily white foam to a mixture of 80% bile, any food I attempt to consume, and still white foam. This intense vomiting, accompanied by significant pain in my upper back, escalated to more than eight episodes daily by November 2023. At that time, THC seemed to be the only avenue for me to retain any food. During this tumultuous period, I consulted various doctors who, after confirming I wasn’t pregnant, attributed my symptoms to Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS). Immediately, I ceased THC consumption for over six months, yet the vomiting continued unabated. Each time, doctors would prescribe ondansetron, regardless of my claims that it provided no relief. I experimented with various diets recommended by medical professionals, but there were no improvements in my condition. Eventually, I obtained a referral to a gastroenterologist who intended to perform an endoscopy. However, the procedure was prohibitively expensive even with insurance, and thus was never conducted. This doctor also ordered blood tests to rule out several gastrointestinal disorders, such as Crohn's disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), and gluten sensitivity, but all results came back normal. Afterward, I had another appointment with a different gastroenterologist, but the doctor failed to meet with me. Instead, a nurse informed me that the doctor had merely recommended promethazine without conducting any tests or scheduling further visits. When I mentioned the possibility of gallbladder issues, the doctor laughed dismissively at my suggestion. Discussing my situation with my oncologist, he suggested that my heightened sensitivity to food odors stemmed from my chemotherapy experiences while I was working in fast food. While food smells indeed affect me, I'm primarily triggered by medical scents such as rubbing alcohol and cleaning agents. This ongoing ordeal has been overwhelmingly distressing. I now experience episodes of vomiting accompanied by bright red blood, presumably due to a throat tear. When I first encountered this troubling symptom, I consulted a doctor who appeared unfazed and prescribed a promethazine suppository, which does help but makes me extremely drowsy. My nausea persists nearly around the clock, often feeling as if there’s a heaviness in the upper part of my abdomen. I frequent urgent care facilities when my symptoms intensify, only to be met with minimal assistance since this is a chronic issue. Currently, I lack a primary care physician. Whenever I sought one, I encountered skepticism regarding my condition, with some healthcare professionals implying that I was exaggerating my symptoms. Though many physicians who do take my situation seriously seem baffled, I've lost count of the diverse medical experts I've consulted about these ongoing issues. If anyone has insight or suggestions, I would genuinely appreciate it. I can share my latest bloodwork results if that would be helpful—just let me know!
Strange Stomach Sensation Leading to Waking Up
Greetings. I'm a 36-year-old male, standing at 172 centimeters and weighing 90 kilograms. I don't take any medications, nor do I smoke. I've been living with diastasis recti for several years now, and I may also have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Additionally, I deal with fatty liver and kidney stones, though I assume these last two conditions are not related to my current concern. Occasionally, I experience a peculiar sensation that jolts me awake; it feels like a quick pulsing in my stomach. I’ve noticed it tends to affect the left side when I’m lying on my left side and the right side when on my right. Remarkably, it can occur even when I’m on my back. This strange feeling often escalates into a surge that fully rouses me. Alongside this, I sometimes feel prickling sensations throughout my body and fleeting lightheadedness. When this sensation disturbs my sleep while I’m turned to my side, shifting onto my back or the opposite side might alleviate it, but not always. In instances where I awaken while lying on my back, I discovered that gently pressing my hands on either side of my stomach can help, as can rising to a sitting or standing position. However, during my last two episodes—one a couple of weeks ago and another tonight—those techniques weren’t effective right away, which made me feel a bit anxious, prompting me to seek advice. Does anyone have insight into what might be going on? By the way, I’ve undergone routine ultrasound examinations of my abdomen by two different physicians during check-ups, both of whom assured me that everything appears normal, including my abdominal aorta and internal organs. They didn’t identify any issues at that time.
Healing Progress Post-GBS: Toe Concerns
I am a 28-year-old male, measuring 5 feet 10 inches and weighing 131 pounds. My current medications include Fomadatine and Zyrtec, prescribed due to my ongoing battle with Chronic Gastritis and SIBO. I maintain a healthy lifestyle, abstaining from both smoking and alcohol. My health concern revolves around the toe adjacent to my pinky toe on my left foot, as well as my pinky toe on the right foot. Since August of last year, I have been on the mend from Guillain Barre Syndrome. Recently, I've noticed that at night, the skin on my feet tends to turn a reddish pink, although this usually improves after I walk around. However, two of my toes have remained red, with one appearing slightly swollen. Generally, my pinky toes are quite thick, but the condition of my left foot's toe is worrisome for me. It seems that I'm unable to upload an image to illustrate my issue.