What happens if a lump appears after a finger wound heals?

It's quite common for a hard lump to appear under the skin after a finger injury, even though the surface has healed. This lump can be caused by a variety of reasons, most of which are part of the normal healing process. If it causes pain, you need to pay attention.

Why do lumps form after a wound heals?

During wound healing, the body produces large amounts of collagen to repair damaged tissue. In the early stages of healing, the collagen fibers are often arranged irregularly, forming hard scar tissue. This growth, felt as a lump to the touch, is medically known as fibroplasia. Over time, the collagen fibers rearrange themselves, and the lump typically softens.

Another common cause is hematoma organization. Hematoma formation occurs when subcutaneous bleeding occurs during an injury. After the blood is absorbed, the remaining material is gradually replaced by fibrous tissue, forming a hard nodule. This is more common in larger wounds.

What types of lumps are normal?

The cord-like induration that forms after a linear wound heals is usually normal scar tissue. This lump is most noticeable 2-3 weeks after the wound heals and may be slightly tender to the touch, but the surface skin color remains normal with no redness, swelling, or heat.

Small nodules may be caused by suture or foreign body reactions. If the wound has been sutured, the suture absorption process may cause local fibrous tissue to wrap around it. Sometimes, tiny foreign body fragments may also be wrapped around the nodule.

When should you be alert to abnormal situations?

If the lump is accompanied by persistent pain or worsening pain, it should be taken seriously. Redness, swelling, warmth, or color changes on the skin above the lump may be a sign of infection. If the lump continues to grow in size instead of gradually softening, or if it affects the normal function of the finger, you should seek medical attention immediately. In rare cases, the lump may be an abnormal tissue proliferation. Keloids are common in people with a genetic predisposition and appear as hypertrophic scars that extend beyond the original wound. Hypertrophic scars, although confined to the wound, are noticeably raised and persist.

How to promote the softening and disappearance of lumps?

Here's a trick you can try: once the wound has fully healed, gently press the lump with your fingertips, performing a small circular massage. Doing this 2-3 times a day for 5-10 minutes each time can boost blood circulation and help realign collagen fibers. Applying a hot compress can also improve local circulation. Apply a warm towel several times daily for 10-15 minutes each time, being careful not to overheat to avoid burns. Silicone patches or gels are effective in improving scar firmness and should be used continuously for several weeks or even months. However, if significant pain occurs , do not massage and seek medical attention immediately.

How can excessive scarring be prevented?

Prevention is crucial during the wound care phase. Keeping the wound clean and preventing infection can reduce the formation of abnormal scars. Appropriate tension-reducing measures should be used to avoid excessive stretching of the wound edges. During the healing process, premature excessive movement should be avoided to allow the tissue adequate time to recover.

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Editor: kiki Jia