What to do if you cut an artery in your finger?
The very first step to treating a cut finger is to stop the bleeding. One way to stop bleeding from a small, simple cut is to run it under cold water. This will help contract the blood vessels to slow bleeding. Another easy way to stop bleeding from any sort of wound is to apply firm and steady pressure to the cut.
How do you treat a cut on the inside of your hand?
1. For Cuts
- Apply direct pressure until bleeding stops.
- Remove rings and bracelets that may impede blood flow or compress nerves if swelling occurs later.
- Clean area with warm water and soap.
- Apply antibiotic ointment and a sterile bandage.
- Apply ice and elevate hand to reduce swelling.
How do I know if I cut an artery in my finger?
With a cut finger, holding the hand above the heart can reduce the loss of blood. But if a cut appears to be pumping blood out with some force, this may be a sign of arterial bleeding.
Will a cut tendon heal itself?
Like a rubber band, tendons are under tension as they connect the muscle to the bone. If a tendon is torn or cut, the ends of the tendon will pull far apart, making it impossible for the tendon to heal on its own.
What is the medical term for a cut finger?
We asked Dr. Martin Brown, chairman of the department of emergency medicine at Inova Alexandria Hospital in Virginia. First, the medical term for a cut or tear in the skin is a laceration. Dr. Brown says the length is usually not as important as the depth.
When to seek medical attention for a cut finger?
Finger injuries are common and often do not require emergency medical care; however, if the cut appears deep, you cannot stop the bleeding from the cut, or there is a foreign object in the cut (a shard of glass or metal, for example), you should seek immediate medical attention. [1]
What’s the best way to treat a cut finger?
Properly closing a deep wound within a few hours with stitches will minimize scarring and reduce your risk of infection. Generally, if the cut is less than 3 cm in length, less than 1/2 cm (1/4 inch) deep, and no lower structures are involved (muscle, tendon, etc.), the cut is considered minor and can be treated without stitches. Stop the bleeding.
What is the seriousness of numbness in a cut finger?
Finger cuts are often minor and usually heal without complications. However, numbness in a cut finger signifies that a nerve has been damaged. This is a serious situation that requires urgent medical attention to prevent long-term consequences.