Epidermis & Dermis Cut

Yesterday i cut my finger and im pretty sure the cut had gone as deep as the dermis, although i did not have a band aid (plaster) around i just used a tissue to wrap around my finger and use a rubber band to hold it in place. I was feeling mild pains in my finger for a few hours on my finger, i thought it was just the cut burning up and the blood was restoring the cut gradually. However after sleeping i took off the tissue and the rubber band and found a lump on my finger before the cut and further down my finger is another lump. The blood flow must have stopped, and i am wondering if there is need for any immediate help? Or will the blood flow will go back to normal in a few minutes/hours?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
These two lumps sound like hematoma formation. Please do not use any rubber band for tying bandages in future as they may compromise the blood supply to the peripheries.

Keep the area clean and consult a doctor for tetanus prophylaxis. Also get a dressing done and regular change of the dressings preferably from a healthcare provider is necessary. The aim is to keep the dressing dry and clean. Doctor may prescribe topical antibiotics for the wound after culture sensitivity of the wound discharge or wound swabs. You will also need to take an oral course of antibiotics to combat the infection and prevent it from reoccurring.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.