Curious Bumps on My Finger
Hello everyone! I’m a 24-year-old woman who has undergone a liver transplant and ileostomy at 18, followed by a total proctectomy at 23. Currently, I am prescribed three different immunosuppressant medications: 5mg of prednisone, 2mg of prograf in the morning, and 3mg of prograf in the evening, alongside 500mg of mycophenolate mofetil taken twice a day. Additionally, I take 150mg of sertraline, 30mg of codeine for managing my stoma, a calcium supplement, and 10mg of Mounjaro every week. Recently, I've discovered a cluster of small, pus-filled bumps on my finger. Previously, I've experienced similar bumps, but this time they’re unusually close together, almost overlapping, and I’ve also noticed a few on my thumb. They consistently appear only on my fingers, predominantly on the palm side, right where the finger meets the palm. While I suspect these bumps aren't anything serious, they are quite hard to the touch, and can be painful if I accidentally scratch them. My suspicion that they are pus-filled stems from the first time I noticed them—I attempted to squeeze one and managed to do so after some effort. However, it caused significant discomfort, so I stopped after that incident. Though I can't share a photo, I’m very eager to understand what these bumps might be. Thank you for any insights you can provide!
Answers (1)
9/10/2025, 3:40:48 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're dealing with some uncomfortable and concerning bumps on your fingers, especially given your medical history. Based on your description, these could potentially be several things, such as folliculitis, skin cysts, or a reaction to your medications. Given your immunosuppressive therapy, your skin may be more prone to various conditions.
Explanation
The bumps you're describing are notable for being hard, painful, and possibly pus-filled, and their placement on your finger joints could suggest several possibilities:
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Folliculitis: This is an infection or inflammation of the hair follicles. It can produce small bumps that can be painful.
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Sebaceous Cysts: These are non-cancerous lumps beneath the skin caused by blocked sebaceous glands, often filled with oily material.
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Medication Reaction: Your immunosuppressive medications could make your skin more susceptible to infections or reactions, leading to these bumps.
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Other Skin Conditions: Conditions like eczema or dermatitis could also lead to similar symptoms, especially if your skin barrier is compromised.
Next Steps
Here are some prioritized actions you can take to address this issue:
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Avoid Squeezing: Try not to squeeze or scratch the bumps, as this may lead to further irritation or infection.
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Keep the Area Clean: Gently wash the affected area with mild soap and water daily. Avoid harsh soaps that could irritate your skin further.
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Moisturizing Cream: Apply a gentle, non-comedogenic moisturizing cream or lotion to keep the skin hydrated. This may help reduce irritation.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on the bumps. Note if they change in size, color, or if new bumps appear. If they worsen or you develop symptoms like fever or widespread redness, this indicates the need for more urgent care.
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Consider an Over-the-Counter Topical Treatment: You might try an antiseptic cream, such as one containing benzoyl peroxide, which can help manage minor skin infections, but consult with a pharmacist if you'd like recommendations based on your medications.
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Regular Skin Checks: It's advisable to regularly check your skin for new lesions or changes, given your medical history and immunosuppressive therapy.
If the bumps do not improve in a week or two, or if you experience significant pain, swelling, or changes in appearance, consider seeing a dermatologist. This is especially important due to your medical history, as specialized care may be warranted.
I hope you find this information helpful, and I wish you the best in managing your symptoms!
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