Blisters on tip of fingers

This is the second time I get a blister like thing on the tip of my finger. The last one happened on my thumb and at first it started out as a small red dot that when I touched it, it hurt. Then it popped open and it didn't bleed nor did any blood come out. It was just red skin underneath it and it would really hurt. Then it closed up and it left a weird scarring on my thumb. Now I have it on the same hand but on my ring finger. I popped it this time and white liquid came out. It hurts and it's open. It wont close and it isn't bleeding either. What could this be?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

Three possibilities are there for this kind of lump.Firstly,it can be a sebaceous cyst.It is a closed sac that is filledwith a fatty white, semi-solid material called sebum produced by sebaceous glands of the epidermis.It is usually painless but can become painful if infected.

Second possibility is of myxoid cyst.It is a growth usually occurring on the finger. These cysts are believed to form from deteriorated tissues.

Third possibility is of herpetic whitlow.It is a painful viral infection occurring on the fingers or around the fingernails. Herpetic whitlow is caused by infection with the herpes simplex virus (HSV).

I sincerely advise you to consult a dermatologist and discuss these possibilities with him.Unfortunately I cannot confirm anything without examination.

Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional queries.