There is a vertical groove indentation on the thumb.
Jun 01, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wan
Introduction
A vertical groove or indentation on the thumb is usually caused by trauma, vitamin deficiency, tinea manuum (fungal infection of the hand), or similar reasons. Patients should seek medical evaluation promptly and receive targeted treatment based on the underlying cause. Besides these common causes, other factors such as onychomycosis (fungal nail infection), psoriasis, or anemia may also be responsible. In such cases, timely treatment is necessary to avoid delaying the management of the condition.
A vertical groove or indentation on the thumb is usually caused by trauma, vitamin deficiency, tinea manuum (fungal hand infection), or other reasons. In such cases, patients should seek timely medical evaluation and receive targeted treatment based on the underlying cause. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Trauma
If the area has experienced compression or cuts, a vertical groove may develop, often accompanied by symptoms such as redness, swelling, and pain around the site. Proper wound care should be maintained, and topical medications such as erythromycin ointment or chlortetracycline hydrochloride ointment may be applied locally when necessary to reduce inflammation.
2. Vitamin Deficiency
Vitamin deficiency in the body can impair skin nutrition, leading to rough skin, vertical grooves, and indentations, along with symptoms like dry skin and dry eyes. In such cases, patients should take supplements such as multivitamin tablets or vitamin C tablets under medical supervision to improve symptoms.
3. Tinea Manuum (Hand Fungus)
Tinea manuum is a fungal infection causing skin lesions on the hands and is somewhat contagious. It may lead to papules or skin fissures at the affected site, accompanied by itching and scaling. Patients should use antifungal medications such as compound clotrimazole cream or ketoconazole cream under a doctor’s guidance.
In addition to the common causes mentioned above, other factors such as onychomycosis (nail fungus), psoriasis, or anemia could also be responsible. Patients should seek prompt treatment to avoid delaying diagnosis and management of the condition.
