What to do for a finger puncture wound
Disease description:
My finger was accidentally punctured by a drill. The wound is quite deep, continuously bleeding, and very painful. I don't know how to properly handle it. I'm really worried about the possibility of infection and whether it will affect my finger's mobility in the future. I would like to know the correct way to treat a punctured finger injury to ensure a prompt recovery.
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Chen Jian
Finger puncture wounds are common occupational or household injuries that may lead to infection, nerve damage, or dysfunction if not properly managed.
1. Assess the injury: Examine the depth of the wound, the bleeding condition, and whether there is any foreign material remaining. If the wound is superficial and the bleeding is minimal, wash the wound with clean water and cover it with a bandage. If the wound is deep and bleeding heavily, stop the bleeding immediately. Wrap the wound with clean gauze, squeeze both sides at the base of the finger, and raise it above the heart to slow the bleeding. Seek medical attention as soon as possible.
2. Initial management: Ensure the environment is safe to prevent further injury. Gently apply pressure to the wound using a clean cloth or gauze to stop the bleeding. If there is heavy bleeding, continue applying pressure while promptly heading to the hospital. Do not attempt to remove embedded foreign objects yourself, as this may worsen the injury.
3. Clean the wound: After controlling the bleeding, gently wash the surrounding skin with warm water and soap, avoiding direct flushing into the wound itself to prevent pushing any foreign material deeper. Be cautious when using iodine or alcohol for disinfection; avoid allowing the disinfectant to penetrate deeply into the wound.
4. Prevent infection: Administer antibiotics according to the wound condition to prevent infection. Keep the wound clean and dry, and regularly change the dressing as part of proper wound care.
Rest is important; avoid excessive use of the injured finger.
