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.
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• 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.
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• 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.
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• Infections
  
  
  • Keep clean and dry.
    
    
  • Seek medical attention.
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• 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.