My hand was cut and it hurts a lot—how can I relieve the pain?

May 16, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Li Feng

Introduction

A cut on the hand can be very painful. It is important to clean the wound promptly, apply pressure to stop the bleeding, and use ice packs and appropriate medication to relieve pain. In addition, getting adequate rest can help reduce pain and speed up wound healing. Try to avoid using the injured hand as much as possible to minimize discomfort and promote recovery. Also, elevating the injured hand slightly can help improve blood circulation.

Generally, a cut on the hand can be very painful. Pain relief can be achieved through general care, Western medical treatment, or traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) approaches. The specific methods are analyzed as follows:

1. General Care

When a hand is cut, it's important to immediately rinse the wound with cold water, which helps reduce pain and also cleans the wound to prevent bacterial infection. Cold water can constrict blood vessels, reduce bleeding, and alleviate pain. If the wound is more severe, an ice pack can be applied to the area, but care should be taken to avoid direct contact between the ice and skin to prevent frostbite.

2. Western Medical Treatment

If pain persists after a hand cut, pain-relieving medications may be considered. Common over-the-counter analgesics include aspirin tablets, ibuprofen tablets, and acetaminophen (paracetamol) tablets. These help relieve pain and also reduce symptoms such as fever and muscle aches. However, it's important not to exceed recommended dosages to avoid adverse effects.

3. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Treatment

In addition to Western medications, certain natural herbal remedies can be used to ease pain from a hand cut. Herbs such as basil, rosemary, and lavender have analgesic properties and may help relieve discomfort. However, when using herbal products, it's important to purchase them from reputable herbal pharmacies to avoid counterfeit or substandard products.

In summary, pain from a hand cut can be effectively managed with appropriate measures. However, if the wound is severe, prompt medical attention is recommended to prevent more serious complications.

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How to stop bleeding from a hand cut

For hand cuts, hemostasis can be achieved through methods such as pressure dressing, tourniquet application, or surgery, depending on the situation. If the wound is small, apply a pressure dressing by using cotton pads or cotton balls to press directly on the wound to stop bleeding. If bleeding persists, use a tourniquet method by wrapping a bandage or tourniquet around the proximal part of the limb to restrict blood flow. For deeper hand lacerations, surgical intervention may be necessary under medical guidance to suture severed or damaged blood vessels.

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How should a hand cut by a fruit knife be treated?

If your hand is cut by a fruit knife, seek medical attention immediately. The wound should be treated with disinfectants, bleeding controlled, and surgical sutures applied as needed. If the wound is shallow and the surface is smooth, clean the wound and surrounding skin with a disinfectant. Anti-infection medication may also be required. During recovery, avoid exposing the wound to water to prevent infection, maintain a light diet, and get adequate rest.

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How should a hand cut by a knife be treated most effectively?

Generally speaking, there is no definitive answer to the question of "what is the best way to deal with a cut finger." It is advisable to handle a cut finger by immediately stopping the bleeding, cleaning the wound, disinfecting the wound, properly dressing it, observing the injury, and seeking medical attention as needed. During the recovery period, it is important to keep the wound clean and dry, avoid contact with water and contaminants, and follow medical advice for further care and medication treatment.