Finger Laceration
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 6, 2025.
A finger laceration is an injury to your skin and the soft tissue under it. Your blood vessels, bones, joints, tendons, or nerves may also be injured.
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DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Return to the emergency department if:
- Your wound reopens.
- You have heavy bleeding or bleeding that does not stop after 10 minutes of holding firm, direct pressure over the wound.
- Your finger is pale and cold.
- You have new tingling, weakness, or numbness near the wound.
- You have trouble moving your finger.
- You have red streaks on your skin coming from your wound.
Call your doctor or hand specialist if:
- You have a fever or chills.
- You have pain in your finger or hand that gets worse, even after treatment.
- Your wound is red, warm, or swollen.
- You have white or yellow drainage from the wound that smells bad.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Medicines:
You may need any of the following:
- Antibiotics help prevent a bacterial infection.
- Acetaminophen decreases pain and fever. It is available without a doctor's order. Ask how much to take and how often to take it. Follow directions. Read the labels of all other medicines you are using to see if they also contain acetaminophen, or ask your doctor or pharmacist. Acetaminophen can cause liver damage if not taken correctly.
- NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. This medicine is available with or without a doctor's order. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If you take blood thinner medicine, always ask if NSAIDs are safe for you. Always read the medicine label and follow directions. Do not give these medicines to children younger than 6 months without direction from a healthcare provider.
- Prescription pain medicine may be given. Ask your healthcare provider how to take this medicine safely. Some prescription pain medicines contain acetaminophen. Do not take other medicines that contain acetaminophen without talking to your healthcare provider. Too much acetaminophen may cause liver damage. Prescription pain medicine may cause constipation. Ask your healthcare provider how to prevent or treat constipation.
- Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Care for your wound:
- Keep your wound dry for the first 24 to 48 hours, or as directed. Do not soak your hand in water. When your provider says you can, carefully wash around the wound with soap and water. Let soap and water run over your wound. Gently pat the area dry or allow it to air dry. Do not swim or sit in a hot tub until your provider says it is okay.
- Change your bandages when they get wet, dirty, or after washing. Apply new, clean bandages as directed. Do not apply elastic bandages or tape too tightly. Do not put powders or lotions on your wound.
- Apply antibiotic ointment as directed. Your provider may give you antibiotic ointment to put over your wound if you have stitches. If you have medical strips over your wound, let them dry up and fall off on their own. If they do not fall off within 14 days, gently remove them. If you have glue over your wound, do not remove or pick at it. If your glue comes off, do not replace it with glue that you have at home.
- Check your wound every day for signs of infection. Signs may include swelling, warmth, redness, or pus.
Self-care:
- Apply ice to the wound for 15 to 20 minutes every hour or as directed. Use an ice pack, or put crushed ice in a plastic bag. Cover the bag with a towel before you apply it to your skin. Ice helps decrease swelling and pain.
- Elevate your hand above the level of your heart as often as you can. This will help decrease swelling and pain. Prop your hand on pillows or blankets to keep it elevated comfortably.
- Use a splint as directed. A splint will decrease movement and stress on your wound. The splint may help your wound heal faster. Ask your healthcare provider how to apply and remove a splint.
- Decrease wound scarring. You may need to apply ointments to your wound or the area around it. Ask which ointment to buy and how often to use it. You may need to wait until your wound is healed. After your wound is healed, use sunscreen over the area when you are out in the sun. The skin around your wound may turn a different color if it is exposed to direct sunlight. You should do this for at least 6 months to 1 year after your injury.
Follow up with your doctor or hand specialist:
You will need to return in 3 to 14 days if you have stitches or staples so they can be removed. You may be referred to a specialist for more tests or treatment. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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