What should I do if a hand injury wound fails to heal?

Oct 31, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Wang Lei

Introduction

Poor wound healing after hand injuries may be caused by insufficient nutrient intake, aging, wound infection, peripheral vascular disease due to diabetes, or local circulatory disorders. This can be improved through nutritional supplementation, enhanced wound care, and medication. If the wound fails to heal for a long time or is accompanied by pus discharge, fever, or other symptoms, prompt medical attention is necessary. In daily diet, ensure adequate intake of protein and vitamin C.

Non-healing wounds from hand injuries may result from inadequate nutrition, aging, wound infection, peripheral vascular disease due to diabetes, or local circulatory disorders. These conditions can be improved through nutritional supplementation, enhanced care, and medical treatment. If the wound fails to heal for a prolonged period or is accompanied by pus discharge, fever, or other symptoms, prompt medical attention is necessary.

1. Inadequate Nutrient Intake: Deficiencies in essential nutrients such as protein, vitamin C, and zinc in the daily diet may fail to meet the demands of wound repair, leading to slow granulation tissue growth and delayed healing. The wound edges may appear pale and dull. It is recommended to adjust the diet by consuming more nutrient-rich foods such as eggs, lean meat, and fresh fruits and vegetables. Nutritional supplements may be taken under medical supervision if necessary.

2. Aging: With increasing age, metabolic rate slows down and cell proliferation capacity declines. Collagen synthesis at the wound site decreases, prolonging the healing process and weakening local tissue repair ability. Enhanced wound care is advised, including keeping the wound clean and protected from external irritants.

3. Wound Infection: Failure to promptly clean and disinfect the wound allows bacteria to invade and multiply, triggering an inflammatory response that damages newly formed tissue. This results in redness, swelling, fluid discharge, and non-healing wounds, possibly accompanied by local pain and fever. Under medical guidance, patients may use medications such as mupirocin ointment, cefuroxime axetil tablets, or hydrogen peroxide solution (for wound debridement) to alleviate symptoms.

4. Diabetic Peripheral Vascular Disease: Poor long-term blood glucose control in diabetic patients can lead to narrowing or blockage of peripheral blood vessels, reducing blood supply to hand wounds. This causes tissue hypoxia and ischemia, impairing healing, and may be associated with numbness and coldness in the hands. Under medical supervision, medications such as insulin injection, metformin sustained-release tablets, and alprostadil injection may be used to improve symptoms.

5. Local Circulatory Impairment: Hand trauma accompanied by vascular injury or prolonged immobilization can disrupt local blood flow, limiting oxygen and nutrient delivery to tissues and hindering wound repair. Symptoms may include hand swelling and reduced skin temperature. Medications such as micronized purified flavonoid fraction (MPFF) tablets, diosmin tablets, or heparin sodium cream should be used as directed by a physician to improve circulation.

For daily care, keep the wound clean and dry, avoid contact with water, change sterile dressings regularly, minimize excessive hand movement, and maintain warmth to promote local blood circulation and support wound healing.

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How to reduce swelling from a hand injury, and what is the fastest method?

In general, swelling can be reduced through methods such as cold compresses, elevating the injured hand, compression, hot compresses, and medication. If any abnormalities occur, prompt medical attention is recommended. Within 48 hours after the injury, apply an ice pack or a wet cold towel to the affected area for 10–15 minutes each time, multiple times a day. Cold compresses help constrict blood vessels, thereby reducing bleeding and swelling.

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How long should you bandage after suture removal for hand injuries?

After suture removal for hand injuries, the dressing is typically left in place for 1–3 days. If the wound is healing well without redness, swelling, or discharge, the dressing may be removed after 1 day. If there is still mild redness or swelling, or if the newly formed skin needs protection, the dressing can be kept for up to 3 days. If the wound reopens, leaks fluid, or shows signs of pus after suture removal, medical attention should be sought immediately at a surgical clinic. The wound condition should be closely observed on the first day after suture removal.

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Can you drink alcohol after getting stitches for a hand injury?

Do not drink alcohol after receiving stitches for a hand injury. Alcohol can impair wound healing and may increase the risk of infection or cause adverse reactions with medications. Therefore, alcohol consumption should be strictly avoided from the time of stitching until the wound is fully healed and sutures are removed. During this period, keep the wound clean and dry, eat a light diet, and ensure adequate rest to promote recovery. If you have any concerns about the healing process, consult your attending physician promptly.

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How to quickly reduce swelling and relieve pain from a hand injury

Generally speaking, there is no such saying as "how to quickly reduce swelling and pain from a hand injury caused by hitting." When a hand becomes swollen from hitting, measures such as appropriate immobilization, ice application, heat therapy, elevating the affected limb, and medication can be taken to reduce swelling and relieve pain. Immobilization helps decrease movement of the injured area, preventing further damage and worsening of the swelling. The affected hand can be immobilized using tape or bandages, and aluminum plates or paper splints may be worn to restrict finger movement.