Severe Infection From Paper Cut: Woman's Hand Swells After Steroid Side Effect

The Incident: A Paper Cut Becomes Severe

• 🩹 Melinda Howard, a 63-year-old ultramarathoner, sustained a paper cut while breaking down cardboard boxes at her new home.
• ⚠️ Initially, she thought little of it and wrapped her hand with a bandage.
• 🤢 A week later, her hand became severely painful and swollen, prompting a visit to urgent care.

Contributing Factor: Steroid Medication

• 💊 Howard had been taking the steroid prednisone for years to reduce inflammation.
• 📉 A known side effect of prednisone is skin thinning, making the skin more susceptible to tears and cuts.
• 👵 Howard described her skin as easily tearing, similar to that of someone in their 80s.

Outcome and Warning

• ✨ Fortunately, Melinda's hand is now healing well and looks much better.
• 🎁 The incident serves as a reminder to be extra careful with minor cuts, especially during the holiday season when gift wrapping is common.