Strange Thumb Infection: Expert Consultation Needed
I am a 59-year-old male, generally in good health, weighing 170 pounds and standing 5 feet 6 inches tall. Although my BMI could be considered unfavorable, my build is muscular. I maintain a rigorous exercise routine, swimming briskly for about 75 minutes no less than four times weekly. In terms of medications, I take Rosuvastatin; this month, my pharmacy switched my prescription to much smaller tablets compared to the previous ones. Additionally, I regularly consume vitamins D, E, B12, B9, Biotin, CoQ10, and magnesium every evening before bed, along with daily creatine in the middle of the morning. Over five decades ago, during my childhood, I experienced cold sores on my thumb. These later shifted to my upper lip and left nostril, a transition that prompted a change in how I managed them. Through the use of antiviral medications, I was able to effectively minimize both the frequency and severity of future outbreaks. Fortunately, for the last five years, I have avoided the necessity for antivirals, with no significant breakouts occurring—just mild symptoms that usually fade after a brief buildup. Currently, however, I am dealing with a puzzling situation—this issue has resurfaced on my thumb. It has persisted for a month without progressing to a typical breakout or subsiding. Based on my past experience with HSV, I would expect to see a few days of buildup followed by one or more fluid-filled blisters before they start healing. In this instance, it has remained at the same stage for several weeks. Notably, it causes discomfort when I flex my thumb or apply pressure to it. I'm out of antivirals, so I need to consult a medical professional to discuss my condition and possibly get a new prescription. Could this issue be originating from deeper layers below the skin, preventing it from manifesting on the surface? In the meantime, I am taking precautions by refraining from physical contact with people using my affected thumb, considering the potential for contagion. I am uncertain whether to consult a hand specialist, a dermatologist, or someone with expertise in virology.
Answers (1)
9/4/2025, 11:31:04 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're dealing with a concerning issue regarding your thumb, especially given your medical history with the herpes simplex virus (HSV). It's understandable to feel uncertain about the next steps, particularly because of the discomfort and the persistence of this issue.
Summary of Key Points:
- You have a long-standing history with HSV, but the current thumb issue hasn't evolved like typical outbreaks.
- You've been proactive in avoiding contact and maintaining good hygiene due to the potential risk of contagion.
- You're wondering about the underlying cause and whether to seek a specialist.
Explanation:
Your experience with HSV suggests that your body has previously managed outbreaks effectively with antiviral treatment. However, the current situation—where the discomfort has persisted for a month without the usual progression to blisters—might indicate other causes. This could include a local infection, inflammation, or even a skin condition that is not purely viral.
Next Steps:
-
Observe Symptoms: Take note of any changes in the thumb's condition. Look for swelling, discoloration, or increased pain, particularly if symptoms worsen. Documenting these changes can be helpful for your healthcare provider.
-
Seek Medical Attention: While it’s valid to consider several specialty areas, starting with a dermatologist may be the most beneficial. They can assess the skin condition and determine whether it's an infection, a dermatological issue, or a manifestation of your HSV history.
-
Avoid Irritants: In the meantime, do your best to avoid any activities that may aggravate the thumb, and continue to refrain from touching it or using it vigorously until you’ve consulted a professional.
-
Antiviral Access: Since you’ve run out of antivirals, and if needed, ask your pharmacy about an emergency refill or an alternate way to obtain them if your doctor or dermatologist sees the need for immediate treatment.
-
Preventive Measures: Continue practicing good hygiene by washing your hands frequently and avoiding contact with others, especially during the initial evaluation period.
It's wise to address these concerns sooner rather than later, especially since discomfort can impact daily activities. You've taken great precautions to minimize risk and should feel confident seeking care. Please keep monitoring your symptoms, and I wish you a swift resolution.
Related Questions
Unexplained Bumps on Neck and Chest
At 19 years old, I’ve been noticing some unusual firm bumps on my neck and chest for quite some time. They resemble small pimples, but they don’t pop like regular ones do. These bumps are typically beneath the skin’s surface, and I can only detect them by pressing or pinching the skin in that area. Recently, one particular cluster of three bumps on my neck has become worrisome, as they have started to swell, making them more palpable even with a light touch. Additionally, this area has developed some sensitivity and mildly aches when I press on it. I’m uncertain about the nature of these bumps and whether they demand medical attention, so I’m seeking advice on whether this is a cause for concern.
Thyroid Nodule Discrepancy Between CT and Ultrasound: A Case Inquiry
Greetings! I am a 26-year-old male weighing 199 pounds and standing 5'8" tall. Recently, I underwent a CT scan of my head and neck to investigate potential lymph node enlargement. The results indicated a slightly enlarged lymph node, but there was also an incidental discovery of an 8mm nodule in my thyroid. In response to these findings, my physician recommended a thyroid ultrasound, and here are the results: **Ultrasound Report:** **Reason for Examination:** Noted finding on prior CT **Comparison:** Neck ultrasound dated August 15, 2025 **Methodology:** Sonographic images assessed with color Doppler imaging **Observations:** - Isthmus: 0.4 cm - Right thyroid lobe dimensions: 4.8 x 1.6 x 1.9 cm - Left thyroid lobe dimensions: 3.3 x 1.3 x 1.6 cm - No solid or cystic nodules were detected. **Conclusion:** No solid or cystic nodule found. I am reaching out to gather insights on why a CT scan might reveal an 8mm thyroid nodule that subsequent ultrasound investigations did not corroborate. I was informed that thyroid ultrasounds are considered the gold standard for detecting and diagnosing thyroid nodules. Could this discrepancy indicate a variation in diagnostics? Is it feasible for the CT scan to have registered a false positive artifact? Furthermore, might the act of swallowing during the CT procedure cause any imaging artifacts? I seek further understanding and opinions on this matter. Thank you for your assistance!
Experiencing Foot and Toe Numbness
After receiving a diagnosis of acute plantar fasciitis, I underwent an injection administered by a podiatrist aimed at alleviating pain in my heel and the sole of my foot. Initially, the injection caused a slight sting, but a few hours later, numbness spread through the sole, toes, and even up my leg, mirroring the sensation of a limb that has fallen asleep. I also encountered difficulties with supporting my weight and walking on the affected foot, which was accompanied by feelings of nausea. Previously, I had another injection to relieve ankle discomfort and swelling stemming from issues with my os trigonum, and that experience had no negative repercussions. However, this morning, I still feel numbness in my fourth and fifth toes and the bottom of my foot, though I can now bear a bit more pressure on it. Is this kind of reaction common following such an injection?
Feeling Overwhelmed by My Health Issues
I recognize that consulting a medical professional is essential, yet every time I attempt to do so, I encounter resistance. It seems my various health issues necessitate multiple appointments, which is particularly daunting for me as an autistic individual. This situation has left me feeling increasingly overwhelmed. At 24 years old, standing at 174 cm and weighing around 11 stone (though I am unsure), I am currently a smoker but am working towards quitting. Honestly, I am deeply afraid that I might not live long enough to uncover the root of my ailments. Despite being young, I feel persistently unwell, and I struggle to determine what might be wrong. Whenever I consult doctors, they dismiss my concerns by suggesting I am 'too young' for serious conditions like cancer. Let me share the details of the symptoms I’ve been experiencing and their durations: I've been dealing with joint and muscle pain for about two years; there's a discomfort on the right side of my throat that arises when I cough, sneeze, or swallow (this has lasted approximately five weeks); I face daily episodes of abnormal stools or diarrhea despite my efforts to maintain a healthy diet (my IBS and sensitivities complicate this, yet the frequency of reactions is unprecedented); I've noticed I need to urinate more often for several weeks; I am plagued by extreme fatigue that has persisted for months; and I frequently battle minor illnesses like colds and issues with hemorrhoids and fissures for at least three years. Additionally, my stomach has become exceptionally sensitive, to the point where even gentle touch can be painful. A few months ago, imaging revealed a cyst on one of my kidneys, further adding to my back discomfort. My primary fear centers around the possibility of cancer, as I've encountered numerous accounts of conditions sharing similar symptoms. This persistent anxiety is overwhelming, but I’m unsure how to initiate the process of diagnosing my health problems. In a few weeks, I am scheduled for the removal of fissures and skin tags—issues that have greatly impacted my life—yet I am anxious that a potential undiagnosed cancer could exacerbate my situation. Additionally, I have tested for celiac disease due to gluten appearing to trigger many of these concerns, but the results were negative. Despite adopting a gluten-free diet, I've maintained a range of symptoms. The struggle to navigate my health is proving to be a formidable challenge, and I desperately need direction on how to address these overwhelming issues.
Mysterious Symptoms
Greetings! I am a 23-year-old female, standing at 165 cm and weighing 63 kg. For the past four months, I have been experiencing tingling sensations, akin to tiny insects crawling beneath my skin, predominantly affecting both sides of my body, including my arms and legs, with particular intensity in my palms and soles. Occasionally, I also feel this tingling on my face. I have undergone an MRI scan of my brain, which returned normal results. Additionally, other blood tests indicate that my health is generally okay, although I did find slight deficiencies in calcium and vitamin D. For the past month, I have been taking supplements for calcium, vitamin D, folic acid, and iron, but the tingling persists. I have never had a tick bite or been diagnosed with Lyme disease. Moreover, I do not suffer from anxiety or stress. I am at my wit's end and would greatly appreciate any advice on what steps I could take next to address this persistent issue. Thank you for your assistance!