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Is my finger injury healing properly?
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Bone and Orthopedic Conditions
Question #28189
188 days ago
586

Is my finger injury healing properly?

Client_bf0e21

Hello doctor, I have a question about a finger injury. About 24 days ago I had a cut on my finger on the fingerprint side, close to the joint. The doctor put 3 stitches, and the stitches were removed 10 days after the injury. Now it has been about 13 days since the stitches were removed. Most of the scar line has turned dark brown, but there is a small area in the middle of the wound that looks like a small opening or a part that has not fully closed yet. It is not bleeding and there are no discharge or fluids. This specific area still causes some discomfort, and I feel slight numbness or a strange sensation there. There is no: - bleeding - discharge - significant swelling Is this normal at this stage of healing, or should it be examined again?

How would you describe the discomfort in the area?:

- Intermittent

Have you noticed any changes in the color or size of the opening?:

- Yes, it has changed

Have you been doing any activities that might strain the finger?:

- Not sure
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Doctors' responses

It sounds like your wound is healing, but there are a few things to consider. Typically, after stitches are removed, a wound may take a bit of time to fully close and achieve full healing, especially in areas with frequent movement like the finger joints. A dark brown scar line indicates that healing is progressing, but the small area that seems not fully closed might need some extra care. Since there’s no active bleeding, discharge or major swelling, this is likely within normal healing parameters, but there are a few things to keep an eye on. A slight opening can sometimes occur if there’s tension in the area or if movement has disrupted the healing process slightly. This doesn’t always signal a problem, but keeping this area clean and moisturized can help. Applying a light, non-occlusive dressing might provide protection during the daytime when hands are being used more. Numbness or a strange sensation could be due to nerve sensitivity as nerves heal, though they should resolve in time. If the numbness persists or worsens, or if you notice any signs of infection like increasing redness, warmth, or pus, it’s important to seek medical evaluation. However, if everything appears stable, you can continue monitoring the spot for another week or two. Using a moisturizing agent like silicone-based gels or vitamin E can aid in improving scar maturation and flexibility. Meanwhile, limit excessive bending of your finger to avoid stress on the wound site. If by then the wound hasn’t shown significant improvement or the numbness remains concerning, a follow-up with your healthcare provider could offer peace of mind and further guidance.

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Your symptoms are largely in line with normal healing after a stitched finger injury, including the darkening scar and mild intermittent numbness, which can occur as the skin and small nerves recover; however, the presence of a small unhealed opening suggests slight delayed closure, which is usually not serious in the absence of infection signs but should be monitored, and if it does not fully close within the next week or shows any worsening changes, a follow-up examination is advisable.

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Hello, I understand your worry. Based on your history, your wound appears to be healing normally.

The fact that you have noticed some change in the size or appearance of that small opening can still be part of the healing process, as the wound gradually contracts and closes. Here is my advise-

1. Keep the area clean and dry. Avoid excessive movement, pressure, or strain on that finger. Do not pick or disturb the healing area.

2. Medications- - Oint. Mupirocin over the affected area twice daily × 7 days. - Petroleum jelly twice daily × 7 days. - Tab. Vitamin C 500mg once daily × 7 days. - Review after 5 days.

3. Get it checked if: The opening does not close in the next 5–7 days. Redness, warmth, swelling, or discharge develops. Pain increases instead of improving.

The numbness should gradually improve over the next few weeks, as nerve healing is slow.

Overall, this looks like a normal healing process, but continue basic care and observe for complete closure.

Regards, Dr. Nirav Jain MBBS, D.Fam.Medicine

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Hello dear See fortunately there is no Bleeding Infection Swelling Loss of function So i think probably the healing is going ina finer way Also since stitches were there so chances of post operative infection stands nil In addition change of colour from red to brown indicates proper serum formation and clot stabilization So in summary healing seems ok. Numbness should subside within 1-2 months Kindly take Zincovit multivitamin therapy onca a day for 1 month Lyser d tablet twice a day for 1 week Also observe if the symptoms worsen within week Right now no need for further evaluation Regards

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Hello

At 24 days after the injury, what you describe can still be normal healing, especially for a cut on the fingerpad near a joint, where movement can slow complete closure.

A small central opening, dark brown scar line, mild discomfort, and slight numbness can occur during the healing phase. Numbness or altered sensation may happen because small skin nerves were affected, and these can take weeks to months to recover.

Since there is no bleeding, discharge, redness, or significant swelling, it does not strongly suggest infection.

Keep the area clean, moisturized (petroleum jelly or healing ointment), and protected, and try to avoid excessive bending or pressure on the finger for now.

However, it would be advisable to have it checked again by a doctor if the opening does not close in the next 1–2 weeks, becomes red, painful, swollen, or starts discharging, or if the numbness progressively worsens.

I hope this helps. Thank you. Take care.

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Hello Thanks for describing your healing process in detail—it really helps!

What you’re experiencing is actually quite common after stitches, especially on fingers where the skin is thick and movement is frequent. Here’s what’s likely happening:

### What’s Normal - Dark brown scar line: This is part of normal healing as the wound matures and the scab or scar tissue forms. - Small area not fully closed: Sometimes, a tiny part of the wound can take longer to close, especially if it’s over a joint or an area that moves a lot. - Mild discomfort/numbness: Nerves can take weeks to months to fully recover after a cut, so some odd sensations are expected.

### When to Worry You should seek a doctor’s review if you notice: - Redness spreading around the wound - Increasing pain or swelling - Pus or any discharge - Fever or feeling unwell

### What You Can Do - Keep the area clean and dry. - Avoid picking at the scab or scar. - Moisturize gently with a mild, fragrance-free cream if the skin feels dry. - Limit excessive movement of the finger if possible, to help the last bit heal.

### Should You See a Doctor? If the opening is very small, not getting bigger, and there are no signs of infection, you can continue to watch it for another week. If it doesn’t close, or if you develop any of the warning signs above, it’s best to get it checked.

Thank you

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This still sounds like a normal part of the Wound Healing Process, especially on the fingertip where movement and skin tension can delay complete closure and cause a small central gap.

The dark brown color is typical of healing/scar formation, and mild discomfort or numbness can occur due to minor nerve irritation, which usually improves gradually over weeks.

However, since you noticed a change in the opening, it’s wise to get it reviewed by a General Surgeon or clinician to ensure proper closure and prevent delayed healing or infection.

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