Significant Callus Develops on My Thumb
Greetings! I’m a 20-year-old male and I just spent about four hours stripping wires. Once I completed the task and removed my gloves, I was taken aback to find a large callus forming at the tip of my thumb, which also appears to be filled with pus. Does anyone have insights on what could be causing this? Will it heal by itself?
Answers (1)
2/8/2026, 3:20:28 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing a significant callus, possibly exacerbated by the prolonged pressure and friction from wire stripping. The presence of pus suggests there may also be an infection or inflammation involved, which is important to address promptly.
Explanation:
A callus forms as a protective response to repeated friction or pressure on the skin. In your case, the extended duration of stripping wires likely caused irritation, leading to the hardened skin on your thumb. The pus indicates that there might be a bacterial infection, which can occur if the skin is damaged or if bacteria enter through any small cuts or abrasions.
Next Steps:
-
Keep the Area Clean: Gently wash your thumb with mild soap and water. Pat it dry carefully.
-
Avoid Irritation: Try to avoid further pressure on the affected area. If possible, limit activities that will aggravate it.
-
Apply an Antibacterial Ointment: Use over-the-counter antibacterial ointment (like Neosporin) on the callus. This can help reduce the risk of further infection.
-
Cover the Area: If the callus is open or oozing, cover it with a sterile bandage to protect it from dirt and further irritation.
-
Monitor for Changes: Keep an eye on the callus over the next few days. If you notice increasing redness, swelling, worsening pain, or if the pus increases, it indicates that the infection could be getting worse.
-
Give It Time: If there's no significant improvement in a week, or if symptoms worsen, you may need to reconsider further steps (involving a healthcare professional).
Taking these actions should help your thumb heal properly. If you have any more questions or updates on your condition, feel free to ask!
Related Questions
Navigating New Eating Patterns: A Personal Inquiry
Hello everyone, I’m seeking some insight regarding a shift I’ve observed in my eating behaviors. To provide a bit of background, from January to August 2025, I experienced a weight loss of approximately 12 kilograms, largely triggered by anxiety and gastrointestinal issues. My persistent anxiety led to frequent nausea, which prevented me from eating properly, while my digestive difficulties compelled me to eliminate various foods from my meals. This resulted in a drop from 60 kg to 48 kg, considering my height is 164 cm. Prior to this experience, I had never faced challenges related to my eating habits or body image. Though there were a few difficult days, I never considered it a significant issue. After seeking medical assistance for my anxiety and digestive concerns, I managed to reintroduce all foods into my diet. However, I found myself grappling with how to navigate my appetite and nutritional needs with my "new" weight. I have no intention of regaining the weight I lost, as my current size feels healthy and I have come to accept my body as it is now. While attempting to better understand my needs, I've been tracking my body’s reactions to food and discovered an interesting behavioral trend: When I feel hungry at home, I’ll head to the kitchen, contemplate what I would like to eat at that moment, and often wind up selecting 4-6 different items. Instead of serving portions, I take a substantial bite of each item, then move on. In my mind, it’s as if I’m telling myself, “That was delightful! Now I've experienced the flavor of this particular dish,” and I simply transition to the next item. However, when I am away from home, this method doesn’t fulfill me in the same way. I attempt to piece together what a reasonable portion should be under those circumstances, but if I had the option to eat at home, I would consistently prefer this approach. So, I’m curious—does this indicate a potential issue with disordered eating, or is it simply my body adjusting to new circumstances?
Do I Need to Visit the Doctor?
Over a day ago, I accidentally collided with a 10-pound barbell that had been left on the ground. Since the incident, I’ve noticed that the swelling and bruising have worsened. Although I can place weight on the injured area, walking remains quite painful and challenging. If I happen to move in a certain way, the discomfort becomes unbearable. I’ve attempted to alleviate the situation with ice and keeping my foot elevated, yet I haven’t observed any reduction in my symptoms. I’m hesitant to see a doctor if it turns out to be nothing more than a simple bruise and I’m just overreacting. However, I’m seriously thinking about making an appointment. I would appreciate some advice on whether it might be better to wait or if it’s wise to seek medical attention now.
Knuckle Bruises: A Month's Progression
About a month back, I noticed a discoloration on one of my fingers. Fast forward to today, and I find myself with a total of seven bruises across my knuckles.
Seeking Advice on Dark Line on Thumb
I'm a 17-year-old female and I've noticed a dark line appearing on my thumb for a few months. It hasn't worsened and doesn't cause any pain, but I recently came across a discussion where a similar symptom was linked to cancer. Interestingly, my friend also has this line. I'm contemplating whether I should visit a doctor for a professional opinion or simply keep an eye on it for now. Any guidance would be appreciated. Thank you!
Inquiries Regarding Colonoscopy Preparation
Hello! My father, who is a 47-year-old man standing approximately 185 cm tall and weighing around 90 kg, has a history of being a heavy smoker. He is scheduled for a colonoscopy preceding his fistula surgery. The physician has advised him to refrain from consuming solid foods starting three days prior to the procedure, and we've adhered closely to a regimen of water, tea, and clear broth. I would like to know what other options he might have. Are soft items like ice cream permissible? Additionally, he consumed a single glass of a well-blended banana smoothie, made solely with banana and milk, ensuring there were no chunky bits. Could this pose a problem? What other recommendations should he follow in preparation for the appointment? I've encountered limited resources that align with the guidance provided by the doctor, so any additional advice would be greatly appreciated.