Liam Carter
Fingertip and nail bed injuries are common and can result from accidents at home, work, or play. They can be complex wounds to repair, and permanent deformity to the nail can occur, even after proper repair. Treatment for a smashed or crushed finger includes resting, icing, elevating, and keeping the area clean. If you have a serious injury, a doctor may numb your finger by injecting medicine at the bottom of the finger or directly into the nail bed.
How to numb a fingernail
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to numb | When treating a fingernail injury |
| How to numb | By injecting medicine at the bottom of the finger |
| Who can numb | A doctor |
| Why numb | To prevent pain when working on the nail |
| Alternative methods | Applying ice, using pain relievers |
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What You'll Learn
Numb before repairing a nail injury
Fingertip and nail bed injuries are the most common form of hand injuries, accounting for roughly 10% of all emergency room cases. They can result from accidents at home, work, or play, with common causes including crushing forces (such as hammers, doors, or machinery), slicing or cutting (such as with knives or box cutters), and tearing or ripping (such as stubbing a toe or catching a fingernail on an object).
If you have injured your fingernail, it is important to assess the damage calmly and determine whether you need medical attention. Minor injuries may heal on their own, but if you are experiencing persistent bleeding, severe pain, or suspect a broken finger or toe, it is recommended to seek medical help. While waiting for medical assistance, you can take some initial steps to care for your injured fingernail:
- Remove all jewellery from your hand, using soap if needed, to prevent swelling and further complications.
- Gently clean the area with soap and water or an antibacterial rinse to prevent infection.
- Apply ice wrapped in a towel or cloth to the injured finger for up to 20-minute intervals, several times a day. This can help stop bleeding, reduce swelling, and alleviate pain.
If you go to an urgent care center or the emergency room for a more serious nail injury, the medical staff will typically numb the finger or toe before treating the injury. This is done by injecting medicine at the bottom of the finger or toe, numbing the entire digit. Alternatively, they may inject the numbing medicine directly into the nail bed or nail folds if that is more appropriate for the specific injury. Once the area is numb, the doctor will clean the wound and determine the necessary repair techniques, which may include removing the nail, repairing the nail bed tissue, and/or closing cuts with stitches.
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Ice the injury to stop bleeding
If you have a fingernail injury, it is important to calmly assess the damage and determine whether you need medical attention. Fingernail injuries can be extremely painful and may cause throbbing, aching, or numbness. In the case of persistent bleeding or a broken finger, it is advised to seek medical attention.
To stop the bleeding, you can ice the injury. Wrap ice in a soft cloth or towel and apply it to the injured finger for 20-minute intervals, several times a day. This will help to reduce swelling and pain. Make sure not to expose the skin directly to ice. Instead, rest your finger on top of a covered ice compress or pack.
If you have a deep cut and/or bleeding that won't stop, seek medical care. Your doctor may recommend a procedure called trephination, which involves draining the blood to relieve pressure and pain. If there is significant damage to the nail bed or surrounding tissues, the nail may need to be removed and the area stitched to facilitate healing.
It is important to keep the injured area clean and dry, and you may need to cover the wound with sterile gauze or bandages, changing them at least twice daily. With proper care, most fingernail injuries heal without complications, and any pain should ease within a few days.
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Clean the wound with soap and water
If you've smashed your finger, it's important to first calmly assess the damage and determine whether you need medical attention. While minor injuries may heal on their own, you should seek medical attention if you're experiencing persistent bleeding or think your finger is broken. If the nail or skin is broken, you should gently clean the area using soap and water or an antibacterial rinse.
Step 1: Wash your hands
Before touching your wound, wash your hands with soap and water. If you have hand sanitizer, use that as well. This helps prevent infections.
Step 2: Stop the bleeding
If the wound is bleeding, use a clean cloth or sterile gauze to gently press on it until the bleeding stops. For small cuts and scrapes, you may not need to apply pressure. If the wound is on your finger, rest it on top of a covered ice compress or pack to avoid putting weight on the injury.
Step 3: Rinse the wound with water
Rinse the wound with clean, clear water to loosen and remove any dirt or debris. For burn wounds, run cool water over the area or apply a cool, wet cloth. If you have a major burn, go to the emergency room right away.
Step 4: Wash the wound with soap and water
Use a soft washcloth and mild soap to gently wash around the wound, being careful not to get soap inside the wound as this can be irritating.
Step 5: Remove any remaining debris
Use tweezers to remove any dirt or debris that is still visible after washing. Make sure to clean the tweezers first with isopropyl alcohol. Do not pick at the wound.
Step 6: Apply a moisturizing ointment
After cleaning the wound, apply a thin layer of an antibiotic ointment or petroleum jelly to keep the wound moist and promote healing.
Step 7: Bandage the wound
Cover the wound with a clean, sterile, non-stick bandage to keep out germs. Change the bandage at least once a day or whenever it becomes wet or dirty.
Step 8: Continue wound care until healed
Remember, it's important to seek proper medical care for finger injuries, especially those involving the nail bed, as they can sometimes result in loss of function or permanent deformity if left untreated.
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Treat a smashed finger with OTC pain relievers
Smashed fingers are a common injury, often caused by accidents at home, work, or play. A smashed finger can be extremely painful and may cause swelling, stiffness, bruising, and throbbing or aching pain. In some cases, the fingernail may fall off.
If you've smashed your finger, the first step is to relieve the swelling and pain. This can be done by applying ice to the affected area, ensuring that the ice is wrapped in a towel or cloth and not placed directly on the skin. Elevation of the finger is also recommended to help reduce swelling.
Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers can be extremely effective in managing the pain associated with a smashed finger. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen (Aleve) are commonly used to reduce pain and swelling. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is another effective OTC medication for pain relief. These medications can provide significant relief, helping to manage the initial pain and discomfort.
It is important to keep the injured area clean and to avoid any activities that increase pain or involve a lot of finger strain. While gentle movement of the finger is encouraged to promote circulation and aid in recovery, it is crucial to avoid any movements that cause significant pain. Additionally, gently massaging the injury site can improve blood flow, enhance recovery, and help break up dead blood cells and tissues.
In most cases, a smashed finger will start to feel better within a few days of using at-home treatments. However, if there are signs of a fracture, persistent bleeding, severe pain, or if the injury looks severe, it is important to seek medical attention. A doctor can provide specific advice and treatment options, such as draining blood beneath the fingernail or applying a splint, to ensure the best possible recovery.
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See a doctor for severe injuries
Fingertip and nail bed injuries are common and can result from accidents at home, work, or play. While some injuries may be minor and can heal on their own, others may require immediate medical attention. Here are some scenarios where it is important to see a doctor for severe injuries:
Persistent Bleeding
If you are experiencing persistent bleeding that does not stop, it is important to seek medical attention. This could indicate a severe injury that requires professional treatment.
Broken Finger or Bone Fracture
If you suspect that your finger is broken or fractured, it is crucial to see a doctor. A broken bone can cause severe pain and may require a wire to be placed in your finger to keep the bone in place. X-rays will be needed to diagnose a fracture unless there is an obvious bend or deformity at the end of the finger.
Severe Pain or Trouble Moving the Finger
If you are experiencing extreme pain or having difficulty moving your finger, don't hesitate to see a doctor. Severe pain could indicate nerve damage, and a specialist may be required to reduce the risk of permanent damage.
Infection
In some cases, an infection may develop at the site of the injury. If you notice signs of infection, such as increased redness, pain, swelling, or pus, seek medical attention promptly. Antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent or treat infections.
Compound Fractures and Fingertip Amputations
For more severe injuries, such as compound fractures or fingertip amputations, it is crucial to seek emergency medical care. These injuries may require surgery, debridement (cleaning), and repair of the fractured bone or amputated finger.
It is important to remember that the information provided here is not exhaustive, and each case of injury is unique. If you are unsure about the severity of your injury or have any concerns, it is always best to err on the side of caution and seek professional medical advice.
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Frequently asked questions
You can't safely numb a fingernail at home, but you can apply ice wrapped in a hand towel or cloth to the injured finger for up to 20-minute intervals, several times daily. This will help stop any bleeding and may prevent a blood blister from forming under the nail.
Symptoms of a fingernail injury include:
- Bleeding or a blood clot under the nail
- A cut where the nail grows (nail bed)
- Bleeding around the cuticle
- A cut or tear in the nail (nail laceration)
- A break (fracture) at the end of a bone where it grows (the growth plate)
- Partial amputation of the fingertip
If you have a fingernail injury, you should:
- Wash the finger with soap and water
- Take any rings off the finger before it swells
- Put the finger in cold water or wrap it with an ice pack
- Wrap and press a clean cloth, paper towel, or gauze over any bleeding cuts
- Raise the finger above the level of your heart to help ease throbbing pain and slow down the bleeding
- Seek medical attention if you’re experiencing persistent bleeding or if you think the finger is broken
A doctor will clean the wound and may give you pain medicine before the wound is cleaned. They will then put in stitches or special glue if the wound can be closed. If a repair is needed, the doctor will numb your finger by injecting medicine at the bottom of the finger or directly into the nail bed.
