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February 8, 2012
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Hand Injuries (cont.)

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Hand Injury Treatment

Self-Care at Home

Home care for hand injuries initially involves smart first aid techniques. In most cases, serious hand injuries will require medical attention.

  • Lacerations (cuts)

    • Apply pressure to the wound to stop bleeding.

    • If possible, wash dirt or debris from the wound.

    • Cover the wound to prevent further contamination or injury.

    • Do not remove large foreign bodies such as nails, hooks, or knives.

    • Seek medical attention.

  • Fractures (broken bone) and dislocations

    • Immobilize or splint the hand, if possible.

    • Cover, if bone is exposed (open fracture), with a clean towel, cloth, or gauze.

    • Ice may help decrease the pain, but never apply for more than 20 minutes and never directly to skin.

    • Seek medical attention.

  • Soft tissue injuries and amputations

    • Apply pressure to stop bleeding.

    • Cover with damp bandage, if possible.

    • Elevate the hand above the heart.

    • Retrieve amputated body part. If possible, cover, keep damp, and place near ice to cool. Do not place body part in direct contact with ice in order to prevent freezing.

    • Seek medical attention.

  • Infections

    • Keep clean and dry.

    • Seek medical attention.

  • Burns

    • Thermal (heat) burn: Cool with water, not ice, then cover.

    • Chemical burn: Irrigate with lots of water, then cover.

    • Frostbite: Rewarm with warm-water bath or soak, then cover.

    • Seek medical attention.

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Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape

Hand Injury, Soft Tissue »

Hand injuries are common and account for 5-10% of emergency department (ED) visits nationwide.

Read More on Medscape Reference »

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