What to do if your finger is cut and bleeding on the first day of the New Year

Cut fingers with bleeding require immediate wound cleaning, pressure to stop bleeding, disinfection, proper dressing, and monitoring of healing progress. Timely and appropriate management can reduce the risk of infection. Seek medical attention promptly if the wound is deep, bleeding does not stop, caused by rusty metal, or shows poor healing.

1. Clean the wound: Rinse the wound surface with running water to remove dirt and any remaining foreign objects, preventing impurities from lingering and causing infection. Be gentle during rinsing and avoid vigorous rubbing of the wound.

2. Apply pressure to stop bleeding: Use clean gauze, cotton swabs, or tissue to apply direct pressure on the wound to stop bleeding. Press perpendicularly to the wound for 5–10 minutes, avoiding frequent lifting to check during this period.

3. Disinfect: After stopping the bleeding, apply iodine tincture to the wound and surrounding skin, wiping in circular motions from the inside outward. Avoid using alcohol to minimize irritation to the wound and reduce the risk of infection.

4. Proper dressing: Cover and dress the wound with sterile gauze or a band-aid. Apply moderate pressure—secure enough to hold the dressing in place, but not so tight as to impair blood circulation in the finger.

5. Monitor healing: Watch for signs of infection such as redness, swelling, fluid discharge, or increased pain. Check whether finger movement is limited. Seek prompt care if any abnormalities occur.

Keep the wound dry and clean, avoid contact with water and contaminants. Protect the wound during daily activities to prevent re-injury. Increase intake of protein and vitamins through diet to promote healing, and do not remove dressings prematurely.