Wound healing

[Fiddlersmum]

I've had a cut on a finger for a couple of weeks now, it's still red, oozing, a little swollen and tender around it - it doesn't look infected but I'm aware of mild discomfort from it, a little angry and slow to heal - I'm assuming it's down to Prednisolone . . . ?

[SnazzyD]

Sounds like it could easily be infected and the fact that it is still hanging about after two weeks rings bells. Being immunosuppressed can make wounds look less exciting than they should be. What was the cut from?

[Fiddlersmum in reply to SnazzyD]

A nick from a kitchen knife I think - didn't think anything of it at the time xxx

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Fiddlersmum]

Think I'd show that to someone - do you have a walk-in minor injuries centre handy or can you see a nurse at the GP practice?

[Fiddlersmum in reply to PMRpro]

Sadly not at the moment but I may well go to the chemist in our local town and see what they think . . . it's just not getting any better . . . I've tried booking an appt at the doctors online tonight and the next available non urgent is 12 April . . .

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Fiddlersmum]

On the basis of that, and if you can't get an emergency GP or nurse appointment - I would go to A&E. I probably wouldn't normally but you are on steroids.

[diana1998 in reply to Fiddlersmum]

Looks nasty. I often cut my finger but it always heals fast

[SnazzyD in reply to Fiddlersmum]

Ah a decent pic with zoom facility too! Looks like chronic inflammation has caused a sort excessive scar type tissue growth which isn’t normal. I expect they might give you an iodine impregnated dressing to use like Inadine. Are there no nurses available? If not a pharmacist might help.

[Koalajane]

Slow healing can also be a symptom of diabetes

[PMRpro Ambassador]

If it is oozing and red it suggests it may be infected so could do with being looked at. It seems to depend on the person - I heal well and never seem to have a problem but others do. The pred may well suppress the angriness of an infection.

[Sophiestree]

I've really noticed it takes me ages to heal since being on pred. I cut my thumb quite badly with a very efficient kitchen knife and it did not stop bleeding for most of the day. Thereafter, any knock would start it bleeding again.. took several weeks and was very tender. I did it again a couple of months later and the infection took weeks to go. Like PMRpro says I was advised to go to a minor injuries unit. Do you have any antibiotic cream? I was vigilant doing that with mine twice a day as it was in a difficult place.

[S4ndy]

I am a "slow" healer. Unfortunately, if I get a spot or cut it takes ages to heal and forms a raised white scar.

I think you need to see a nurse if you can as it could be infected. Also might be an idea to cover it with a breathable dressing just to cushion it from knocks.

As a tip for future minor injuries I suggest cleaning it thoroughly and then applying a hydrocolloid dressing. This protects the wound and allows it to heal from the inside. Hydrocolloid plasters (often called blister plasters) can be found at chemists or online. I keep a small supply of Duoderm dressings which I buy on Amazon. They are expensive but I have found them to be the best for me to heal cuts etc. Especially knife cuts from my very sharp kitchen knives which tend to bleed like crazy! Hope you can get it looked at x

[Fiddlersmum in reply to S4ndy]

Thank you x

[whitefishbay]

Looks infected. If in UK ring 111 for a prescription for antibiotics.

[Bcol]

I've certainly noticed that any cuts or wounds now take appreciably longer to heal since being on Pred.