What should I do if I stapled my finger?
To take care of a puncture wound:
- Wash your hands. This helps prevent infection.
- Stop the bleeding. Apply gentle pressure with a clean bandage or cloth.
- Clean the wound. Rinse the wound with clear water for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Apply an antibiotic.
- Cover the wound.
- Change the dressing.
- Watch for signs of infection.
How long do finger stitches take to heal?
You will need to have the stitches removed, usually in 7 to 14 days. The doctor may suggest that you see a hand specialist if the cut is very deep or if you have trouble moving your fingers or have less feeling in your hand. The doctor has checked you carefully, but problems can develop later.
Is it normal for finger to be swollen after stitches?
Normal: Swelling, bruising and redness may continue for days to weeks after the stitches are removed. This is a normal part of healing. Abnormal: If the wound becomes more red, tender or swollen after one to two days, please notify us or consult with your family physician.
Can you work with stitches in your hand?
Avoid any activity that could cause your cut to reopen. Do not remove the stitches on your own. Your doctor will tell you when to come back to have the stitches removed.
How long do puncture wounds take to heal?
A minor cut should heal in under a week. A deeper or larger cut, especially one where damage to tendons or muscles occurred, may take a couple of months to heal. In most cases, the healing process should start within 24 hours. The wound may look puckered and feel a little itchy as it’s healing, but that’s normal.
Do I need a tetanus shot if I step on a nail?
A minor nail puncture may not require a visit to your doctor. But, if the nail or wound was dirty or the puncture is deep, you should see your doctor or visit urgent care. They’ll likely give you a tetanus booster shot if you haven’t had one in the past 5 years.
Do you need a tetanus shot for a staple puncture?
Minor puncture wounds can be treated effectively at home. If you do not have an increased risk of infection, you do not have other injuries, and you do not need a tetanus shot or treatment by a doctor, you can treat a puncture wound at home. Home treatment can prevent infection and promote healing.
Can a deep cut cause nerve damage?
When a cut is particularly deep, you are more likely to have damaged the tendons and nerves in your hand and require hand nerve surgery. While some nerve injuries can heal on their own, for the most severe cuts, an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in complex nerve reconstruction can be critical to recovery.
Does throbbing mean healing?
Myth #9: Wounds itch when healing But do watch out! Should your wound be very red, suppurate, or the itching turn into a throbbing sensation, you should definitely consult a doctor because these could be signs of an infection that should be treated medically as soon as possible.
Why does a cut throb?
This arises from damaged tissue. Signals are picked up by sensory receptors in nerve endings in the damaged tissue. The nerves transmit the signals to the spinal cord, and then to the brain where the signals are interpreted as pain, which is often described as aching or throbbing.
Is it normal for stitches to hurt?
When you’re in this phase, which can go on for up to 6 days after your surgery, it’s normal to see some redness and swelling. Your doctor can tell you how much is OK. Also, your wound may feel warm, and it may hurt around the site.
What helps with pain from stitches?
To help with this, take acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or extra-strength acetaminophen (Extra Strength Tylenol®).
- Don’t take aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil®) or naproxen (Aleve®), unless your healthcare provider says you can.
- Follow the dose directions on the package.