First Aid & Emergencies

Hand Injury Treatment

1. For Cuts

• Apply direct pressure until bleeding stops.

• Clean area with warm water and soap.

• Apply antibiotic ointment and a sterile bandage.

• Apply ice and elevate hand to reduce swelling.

• If a finger or part of a finger has been cut off, collect all parts and tissue and place in a plastic bag on ice for transport to the hospital with the person.

• See a health care provider immediately for a deep cut, puncture wound, animal bite, human bite, or a scrape that you cannot get clean or if the cut shows signs of infection.

2. For Dislocation or Fracture

• Apply ice to reduce swelling.

• Keep finger elevated above the heart

• If finger is bent or deformed, don't try to straighten it.

• See a doctor immediately.

3. For Infection

• See your health care provider if a hand injury shows signs of infection, including redness, swelling, warmth, or discharge.

4. Other Times to Get Medical Help

• See a health care provider immediately for any hand injury if the person cannot move the hand or fingers.

5. Follow Up

If the person sees a health care provider, the next steps depend on the nature and severity of the hand injury.

• For bites, puncture wounds, burns, and some other hand injuries, the health care provider will give a tetanus shot or booster if the person hasn't had one recently. The health care provider will clean the wound and remove embedded dirt and debris.

• For a fracture or dislocation, a doctor will X-ray the hand and may apply a splint or cast.

• To prevent or treat an infection, the health care provider may prescribe antibiotics.

• Surgery may be required for some hand injuries.