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Soft tissue : Cut finger
First Aid for a Cut Finger
Clean the wound: Rinse with clean water to remove debris. Avoid using soap directly on the wound.
Stop the bleeding: Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth. Elevate the hand above heart level if possible.
Cover the wound: Use a sterile bandage or dressing. Change it daily or if it gets wet or dirty.
Pain relief: Consider using paracetamol or ibuprofen for discomfort.
Seek medical attention if:
The cut is deep or wonโt stop bleeding after 15 minutes of pressure.
Part of the fingertip is severed.
You notice signs of infection (redness, swelling, pus).
When to Seek Medical Help for a Cut Finger
The cut is deep: If the wound goes beyond the superficial skin layer and might involve nerves or bones.
Excessive bleeding: If the bleeding doesn't stop after 10-15 minutes of pressure or if the blood is spurting.
Partial or complete fingertip amputation: If part of the fingertip is severed, seek immediate medical attention.
Signs of infection: Watch for redness, swelling, warmth, or pus, which could indicate infection.
Loss of sensation: If there is numbness, tingling, or difficulty moving the finger, it might indicate nerve damage.
Nail bed injury: If the cut affects the nail bed, it may need medical evaluation.
Foreign objects in the wound: If something is stuck in the wound and cannot be removed easily.
Tetanus risk: If you haven't had a tetanus shot in the last five years and the injury was caused by a dirty or rusty object.
Wound edges not closing: If the wound is gaping and may need stitches or adhesive to close properly.
First Aid for an Amputated Fingertip
Stop the bleeding: Apply gentle but firm pressure with a clean cloth or sterile dressing to stop the bleeding. Elevate the hand above the heart to reduce blood flow to the area.
Clean the wound: Rinse the injury with clean water to remove any debris, but avoid scrubbing the wound.
Preserve the amputated part: If the fingertip is still present, wrap it in a clean, damp cloth (preferably sterile). Place it in a sealed plastic bag, and then place that bag in a container of ice (do not place the fingertip directly on ice). This can increase the chances of reattachment.
Seek immediate medical attention: Go to the emergency department immediately. Reattachment may be possible depending on the extent of the injury and time elapsed.
Medical Treatment Options
Reattachment (Replantation): If the amputated part is well-preserved and there is no severe damage, surgery may be performed to reattach the fingertip.
Skin grafts: In cases where the tissue loss is minor, a skin graft may be used to cover the exposed area and aid in healing.
Wound care and healing: In some cases, the fingertip may not be reattached, and the wound is treated with dressing changes, antibiotics (if necessary), and careful monitoring for signs of infection.
Rehabilitation: Physical therapy may be necessary to restore function and flexibility in the finger following healing.