Hard skin on injections site, its been more than a year

A. Hard skin or a lump at an injection site that persists for more than a year can be concerning. This condition could result from several causes, including: 1. **Scar Tissue (Fibrosis)**: Repeated injections in the same area can lead to the formation of scar tissue or fibrosis. This hardened area is typically non-painful but can feel firm to the touch. 2. **Granuloma**: This is a small area of inflammation due to the body reacting to a foreign substance, like a vaccine component or medication. Granulomas can sometimes take a long time to resolve. 3. **Lipohypertrophy**: If the injections were insulin or similar medications, repeated injections in the same spot can cause a build-up of fat under the skin, leading to a lump or hard area. 4. **Infection or Abscess**: Although rare, sometimes a low-grade infection or abscess can persist, causing a lump that doesn't go away. ### Steps to Take: - **Consult a Doctor**: It's essential to have the area evaluated by a healthcare professional, especially if the hard area is not reducing in size, changes in color, becomes painful, or shows signs of infection (redness, warmth, or discharge). - **Ultrasound or Imaging**: The doctor might suggest an ultrasound or other imaging techniques to better understand the lump's nature. - **Avoid Further Injections in the Same Area**: If the hardened skin resulted from injections, avoid further injections at the same site to prevent worsening the condition. - **Warm Compress**: Applying a warm compress may help if there is any discomfort, although it won't necessarily reduce the hard area itself. - **Massage**: Gentle massage around the area (if not painful) might help improve blood circulation, but avoid applying too much pressure. Since it's been more than a year, it's crucial to have this checked to rule out any underlying issues and get appropriate treatment if necessary.