Hand Injuries (cont.)

Medical Author:

Chad Tarr, MD

Coauthor:

Philip Shayne, MD

Editor:

Scott H Plantz, MD, FAAEM

Editor:

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD

Editor:

Ron Fuerst, MD

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.