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What Causes Cracks And Wounds On The Hands?

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Posted on Tue, 31 Oct 2017
Question: What is considered an open sore or an open wound? I get cracks in my skin on my hands, what appears to be psoriasis and I also get small blisters on the inside of my lip from spicy and crunchy food. Is an open sore or wound something that is obviously bleeding? Would it require stitches? Would I obviously have the taste of blood in my mouth? I am just wondering if the blisters that happen inside my lips and the cracks in the skin on my hand are an point of entry for viruses such as hepatitis.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
An open sore or wound is simply a break in continuity of skin or mucosa

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for being at HealthcareMagic,

An open sore or wound is simply a break in the continuity of skin or mucosa.
It can occur from various causes like chronic skin diseases, vitamin deficiencies, anemia and in majority occurs without any known cause.

Open sore is not something which will be obviously bleeding.

It doesn't usually require any stitches.

You won't have a taste of blood in your mouth.

The blisters and cracks can't act as an entry point for viruses like hepatitis as it has other modes of transmission.

I hope to have answered your questions,

Feel free to ask any more queries.

Regards
Dr Asmeet
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (1 hour later)
Thank you for the chance to follow up on my question. I was concerned because I bit my lip while chewing food. It didn't bleed but it was really close to bleeding or only bled for a second. I never tasted or saw blood but it's really red....I guess like a bruise. I worry that if my food was contaminated with Hep C that it could have gotten in this place where I bit my lip.

I've just read too much about "theoretical" risk and have developed a phobia. It scares me that HepC survives outside the body and can be transmitted through food if there is an open sore in the mouth. I guess the answer I'm looking for is whether or not I would have to be obviously bleeding for there to be an entry point for the virus.

Since reading that HepC survives outside of the body I have been increasingly nervous about food and various surfaces (because of the cracks in my hand).

I realize this is psychological, but I greatly appreciate any reasurrance that I am safe.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (15 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Hepatitis C can't be transmitted through food

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Hepatitis C is not a foodborne disease.
It cannot be transmitted through food and water.
It is transmitted through infected needles, blood transfusion, sex and mother to child.
It is not possible for you to have contracted hepatitis by food.

Moreover, you had a minor bruise which makes the transmission almost impossible.
Relax and don't worry.


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (2 hours later)
Hi again,

I realize HepC is a blood borne illness. It lives in dried blood. This tells me that if food is somehow contaminated by dry blood it could possiblly make contact with blood in a persons mouth if they have an actively bleeding cut or sore in their mouth. This is why I'm trying to figure out if the bite on my lip was a cut or a bruise. As I am fearful of consuming food that could be contaminated or touching a surface that is contaminated I'm trying to understand if I would have to have a deep cut that is obviously bleeding for there to be any concern whatsoever.

Thank you,
XXXXXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
You having a mere bruise and no active bleeding so no chance of hepatitis

Detailed Answer:
Theoretically speaking if you have a large wound that is bleeding or a deep cut then this possibility could be considered.
But you are having a mere bruise and so there is no chance of you contracting hepatitis C in this way.
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney

Dermatologist

Practicing since :2007

Answered : 4993 Questions

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What Causes Cracks And Wounds On The Hands?

Brief Answer: An open sore or wound is simply a break in continuity of skin or mucosa Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for being at HealthcareMagic, An open sore or wound is simply a break in the continuity of skin or mucosa. It can occur from various causes like chronic skin diseases, vitamin deficiencies, anemia and in majority occurs without any known cause. Open sore is not something which will be obviously bleeding. It doesn't usually require any stitches. You won't have a taste of blood in your mouth. The blisters and cracks can't act as an entry point for viruses like hepatitis as it has other modes of transmission. I hope to have answered your questions, Feel free to ask any more queries. Regards Dr Asmeet