Whether you’re a master chef or just learning to use your knife, accidents happen. Fortunately, most cuts from a sharp knife or a piece of broken glass can be safety treated at home with a few simple steps.
However, a cut that’s bleeding heavily or doesn’t stop with elevation and pressure should be seen by a physician immediately. This is especially true if the cut is deep or resulted in a part of your finger being lost.
1. Stop Bleeding
If you’ve cut your finger while cooking, it is very important to stop the bleeding and clean the wound to avoid infection. This should be done within the first few hours after the injury so it can heal up properly.
The best way to stop bleeding is to apply constant pressure over the cut for several minutes until a clot forms. If blood soaks through your cloth or gauze, add another layer and keep applying pressure until the bleeding stops.
When you apply a bandage, make sure it’s tight so that it doesn’t interfere with clotting. Also, don’t remove the bandage often as this could impede clotting.
If the bleeding doesn’t slow, call your doctor or go to an emergency room. You may need stitches or other advanced treatment to heal a serious cut or puncture.
2. Clean the Wound
A knife cut on your finger is a common occurrence. It can happen while cooking, when cleaning a broken glass, or during a project around the home.
The most important thing to do when a cut on your finger occurs is to clean it properly and treat it as soon as possible. This will help prevent infection and ensure complete healing.
First, check your cut for dirt or debris that may be inside it. You can use a pair of tweezers to gently remove any loose bits.
Next, rinse the wound with water. Avoid using soap products that contain heavy perfumes, as they can irritate the wound and make it more likely to get infected.
Apply antibiotic ointment to the wound, which will help keep it clean and promote healing. Covering the cut with a bandage will also help it heal faster.
3. Dress the Wound
Most minor cuts heal at home with simple first aid steps like stopping bleeding, cleaning the wound and covering it. However, sometimes a cut requires stitches to prevent infection or reduce the risk of scarring.
If you’ve a serious cut that needs stitches or needs to be seen by a doctor, head to an Urgency Room. Each Urgency Room through the Twin Cities has trained and certified physicians who will treat your finger cut quickly and safely.
Once the bleeding is stopped and the wound cleaned, it’s time to dress the wound. Apply a thin layer of an antibiotic ointment or petroleum jelly to keep it moist and help promote healing. Cover the wound with a sterile bandage or rolled gauze. Replace the dressing as necessary.
4. Monitor the Wound
The wound from a knife cut on finger is not something you want to ignore for long. There are a few things to do to keep the ol’ smoky knuckle happy and minimize the chances of infection.
The first thing to do is stop the bleeding — if possible, use a tourniquet or at least apply some pressure to the affected area. This will give you a better idea of the depth and severity of the cut, and it will also help prevent further damage to the underlying tissue.
Next, it’s time to clean up the wound by dabbing it with some saline and wrapping it in some gauze or an adhesive dressing. This is the most important step, as it will allow you to see if the ol’ smoky knuckle is infected with bacteria and keep them at bay. The best way to do this is to apply a topical antibacterial agent such as bacitracin or Neosporin ointment.