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Is my finger injury healing properly?
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Bone and Orthopedic Conditions
Question #28189
45 days ago
123

Is my finger injury healing properly? - #28189

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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Dr. Shayeque Reza
I completed my medical degree in 2023, but honestly, my journey in healthcare started way before that. Since 2018, I’ve been actively involved in clinical practice—getting hands-on exposure across multiple departments like ENT, pediatrics, dermatology, ophthalmology, medicine, and emergency care. One of the most intense and defining phases of my training was working at a District Government Hospital for a full year during the COVID pandemic. It was chaotic, unpredictable, and exhausting—but it also grounded me in real-world medicine like no textbook ever could. Over time, I’ve worked in both OPD and IPD setups, handling everything from mild viral fevers to more stubborn, long-term conditions. These day-to-day experiences really built my base and taught me how to stay calm when things get hectic—and how to adjust fast when plans don’t go as expected. What I’ve learned most is that care isn't only about writing the right medicine. It’s about being fully there, listening properly, and making sure the person feels seen—not just treated. Alongside clinical work, I’ve also been exposed to preventive health, health education, and community outreach. These areas really matter to me because I believe real impact begins outside the hospital, with awareness and early intervention. My approach is always centered around clarity, empathy, and clinical logic—I like to make sure every patient knows exactly what’s going on and why we’re doing what we’re doing. I’ve always felt a pull towards general medicine and internal care, and honestly, I’m still learning every single day—each patient brings a new lesson. Medicine never really sits still, it keeps shifting, and I try to shift with it. Not just in terms of what I know, but also in how I listen and respond. For me, it’s always been about giving real care. Genuine, respectful, and the kind that actually helps a person heal—inside and out.
39 days ago
5

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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Dr. Nirav Jain
I am a qualified medical doctor with MBBS and DNB Diploma in Family Medicine from NBEMS, and my work has always been centered on treating patients in a complete, not just symptom based way. During my DNB training I rotated through almost every core department—Internal medicine, Pediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Surgery, Orthopedics, ENT, Dermatology, Psychiatry, Emergency medicine. That mix gave me the skill to manage acute illness, long term disease and preventive care together, something I find very important in family practice. In psychiatry I worked closely with patients who struggled with depression, anxiety, stress related problems, insomnia or substance use. I learned not just about medication but also about simple psychotherapy tools, psycho education and how to talk openly without judgement. I still use that exp in family medicine, specially when chronic disease patients also face mental health issues. My time in General surgery included assisting in minor and major procedures, managing wounds, abscess, sutures and emergencies. While I am not a surgeon, this gave me confidence to recognize surgical cases early, provide first line care and refer fast when needed, which makes a big difference in online or OPD settings. Now I work as a consultant in General medicine and Family practice, with focus on both in-person and online consultation. I treat conditions like fever, infections, gastrointestinal complaints, respiratory illness, and also manage diabetes, hypertension, thyroid disorders, and lifestyle related chronic diseases. I see women for PCOS, contraception counseling, menstrual health, and children for common pediatric issues. I also dedicate time to preventive health, lifestyle counseling and diet-sleep-exercise advice, since these small changes affect long term wellness more than we often realize. My key skills include holistic diagnosis, evidence based treatment, chronic disease management, mental health support, preventive medicine and telemedicine communiation. At the center of all this is one thing—patients should feel heard, safe, and guided with care that is both professional and personal.
37 days ago
5

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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Dr. Bharat Joshi
I’m a periodontist and academician with a strong clinical and teaching background. Over the last 4 years and 8 months, I’ve been actively involved in dental education, guiding students at multiple levels including dental hygienist, BDS, and MDS programs. Currently, I serve as a Reader at MMCDSR in Ambala, Haryana—a role that allows me to merge my academic passion with hands-on experience. Clinically, I’ve been practicing dentistry for the past 12 years. From routine procedures like scaling and root planing to more advanced cases involving grafts, biopsies, and implant surgeries. Honestly, I still find joy in doing a simple RCT when it’s needed. It’s not just about the procedure but making sure the patient feels comfortable and safe. Academically, I have 26 research publications to my credit. I’m on the editorial boards of the Archives of Dental Research and Journal of Dental Research and Oral Health, and I’ve spent a lot of time reviewing manuscripts—from case reports to meta-analyses and even book reviews. I was honored to receive the “Best Editor” award by Innovative Publications, and Athena Publications recognized me as an “excellent reviewer,” which honestly came as a bit of a surprise! In 2025, I had the opportunity to present a guest lecture in Italy on traumatic oral lesions. Sharing my work and learning from peers globally has been incredibly fulfilling. Outside academics and clinics, I’ve also worked in the pharmaceutical sector as a Drug Safety Associate for about 3 years, focusing on pharmacovigilance. That role really sharpened my attention to detail and deepened my understanding of drug interactions and adverse effects. My goal is to keep learning, and give every patient and student my absolute best.
44 days ago
5

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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Dr. Arsha K Isac
I am a general dentist with 3+ years of working in real-world setups, and lemme say—every single patient teaches me something diff. It’s not just teeth honestly, it’s people… and how they feel walking into the chair. I try really hard to not make it just a “procedure thing.” I explain stuff in plain words—no confusing dental jargon, just straight talk—coz I feel like when ppl *get* what's going on, they feel safer n that makes all the difference. Worked with all ages—like, little kids who need that gentle nudge about brushing, to older folks who come in with long histories and sometimes just need someone to really sit n listen. It’s weirdly rewarding to see someone walk out lighter, not just 'coz their toothache's gone but coz they felt seen during the whole thing. A lot of ppl come in scared or just unsure, and I honestly take that seriously. I keep the vibe calm. Try to read their mood, don’t rush. I always tell myself—every smile’s got a story, even the broken ones. My thing is: comfort first, then precision. I want the outcome to last, not just look good for a week. Not tryna claim perfection or magic solutions—just consistent, clear, hands-on care where patients feel heard. I think dentistry should *fit* the person, not push them into a box. That's kinda been my philosophy from day one. And yeah, maybe sometimes I overexplain or spend a bit too long checking alignment again but hey, if it means someone eats pain-free or finally smiles wide in pics again? Worth it. Every time.
44 days ago
5

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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Dr. Prasannajeet Singh Shekhawat
I am a 2023 batch passout and working as a general physician right now, based in Hanumangarh, Rajasthan. Still kinda new in the bigger picture maybe, but honestly—every single day in this line teaches you more than textbooks ever could. I’ve had the chance to work under some pretty respected doctors during and after my graduation, not just for the clinical part but also to see how they handle people, real people, in pain, in panic, and sometimes just confused about their own health. General medicine covers a lot, right? Like from the smallest complaints to those random, vague symptoms that no one really understands at first—those are kinda my zone now. I don’t really rush to label things, I try to spend time actually listening. Feels weird to say it but ya, I do take that part seriously. Some patients just need someone to hear the whole story instead of jumping to prescription pads after 30 seconds. Right now, my practice includes everything from managing common infections, blood pressure issues, sugar problems to more layered cases where symptoms overlap and you gotta just... piece things together. It's not glamorous all the time, but it's real. I’ve handled a bunch of seasonal disease waves too, like dengue surges and viral fevers that hit rural belts hard—Hanumangarh doesn’t get much spotlight but there’s plenty happening out here. Also, I do rely on basics—thorough history, solid clinical exam and yeah when needed, investigations. But not over-prescribing things just cz they’re there. One thing I picked up from the senior consultants I worked with—they used to say “don’t chase labs, chase the patient’s story”... stuck with me till now. Anyway, still learning every single day tbh. But I like that. Keeps me grounded and kind of obsessed with trying to get better.
39 days ago
5

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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Dr. Alan Reji
I'm Dr. Alan Reji, a general dentist with a deep-rooted passion for helping people achieve lasting oral health while making dental visits feel less intimidating. I graduated from Pushpagiri College of Dental Sciences (batch of 2018), and ever since, I've been committed to offering high-quality care that balances both advanced clinical knowledge and genuine compassion for my patients. Starting Dent To Smile here in Palakkad wasn’t just about opening a clinic—it was really about creating a space where people feel relaxed the moment they walk in. Dental care can feel cold or overly clinical, and I’ve always wanted to change that. So I focused on making it warm, easygoing, and centered completely around you. I mix new-age tech with some good old-fashioned values—really listening, explaining stuff without jargon, and making sure you feel involved, not just treated. From regular cleanings to fillings or even cosmetic work, I try my best to keep things smooth and stress-free. No hidden steps. No last-minute surprises. I have a strong interest in patient education and preventive dentistry. I genuinely believe most dental issues can be caught early—or even avoided—when patients are given the right information at the right time. That’s why I take time to talk, not just treat. Helping people understand why something’s happening is as important to me as treating what’s happening. At my practice, I’ve made it a point to stay current with the latest innovations—digital diagnostics, minimally invasive techniques, and smart scheduling that respects people’s time. I also try to make my services accessible and affordable, because good dental care shouldn’t be out of reach for anyone.
38 days ago
5

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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