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How Long Does A Wound On The Hand Take To Heal?

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Posted on Sat, 10 Jun 2017
Question: I have a minor wound on the top of my hand that isn't healing because I keep using my hand. It is red around the edges but it's not streaking. I'm wondering if I need to take antibioticds or is there anything topical that would work.
doctor
Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (33 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Please give details and post actual photographs - Povidone Iodine.

Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query.
Noted the history and understood the concerns.
Please give few more details for me to assist you better:
Since when is the wound present?
Did it appear on its own or was there any injury?
Please provide clear and focused photographs as they may help for on-the-spot diagnosis.

With the description you may please use Liquid Povidone iodine locally every 4 hourly as it is washable and use the same in ointment form at bedtime.
Yes, Peroxide can turn the skin into white but if there is no sensation to the white part then it may be devitalized skin needing removal. If the sensation over white skin is present then continue with Povidone iodine (Betadine or whichever name it may be available at the Pharmacy).
If there is pain, tenderness, edema around a short course of an antibiotic and anti-inflammatory medication may help for faster healing.

Awaiting for your photos and feedback.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. T Chandrakant (11 minutes later)
I believe I've had the wound for just under a week. I'm not sure how it happened. I hope the attached pics are better. The wound feels a little tender, but no real pain.

I noticed approx. 20 min after using the peroxide that it started oozing a little bit, but that has stopped.
doctor
Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
As detailed below.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your feedback and very clear pictures.
Since the wound is on a joint it may take a long time to heal as the joint movement slows healing as the skin and the inner wound is not at rest.
I would advise to use home-made splint to stop the movement of the finger. This will hasten healing.
You can use peroxide as it helps in cleaning the wound; please do not rub over the wound as the healing edge is tender/soft at this stage.
A short course of an antibiotic and anti-inflammatory medication helps in early and better healing and lessen the chance of spread of infection through the potential space under the skin.
Give complete rest to the part.
Rest of the things as explained above.
I hope this answer helps you for early and complete healing.
Please feel free to ask for further relevant queries if you feel that there is a gap of communication.


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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. T Chandrakant

General Surgeon

Practicing since :1984

Answered : 19777 Questions

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How Long Does A Wound On The Hand Take To Heal?

Brief Answer: Please give details and post actual photographs - Povidone Iodine. Detailed Answer: Hi. Thanks for your query. Noted the history and understood the concerns. Please give few more details for me to assist you better: Since when is the wound present? Did it appear on its own or was there any injury? Please provide clear and focused photographs as they may help for on-the-spot diagnosis. With the description you may please use Liquid Povidone iodine locally every 4 hourly as it is washable and use the same in ointment form at bedtime. Yes, Peroxide can turn the skin into white but if there is no sensation to the white part then it may be devitalized skin needing removal. If the sensation over white skin is present then continue with Povidone iodine (Betadine or whichever name it may be available at the Pharmacy). If there is pain, tenderness, edema around a short course of an antibiotic and anti-inflammatory medication may help for faster healing. Awaiting for your photos and feedback.