FINGER OR TOE INJURY

 

Symptoms | When to call | Homecare Advice

 

HOME CARE ADVICE FOR MILD FINGER/TOE INJURIES

  1. Bruised/Swollen Finger or Toe:
    • Soak in cold water for 20 minutes.
    • Give acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol) or ibuprofen as necessary for pain relief.
  2. Superficial Cuts:
    • Apply direct pressure for 10 minutes with a sterile gauze to stop any bleeding.
    • Wash the wound with soap and water for 5 minutes.
    •  For any dirt in the wound, scrub gently.
  3. Jammed Finger or Toe:
    • Caution: be certain range of motion is normal (can bend and straighten each finger).
    • Soak the hand or foot in cold water for 20 minutes.
    • Give acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol) or ibuprofen as necessary for pain relief.
    • If the pain is more than mild, protect it by "buddy-taping" it to the next finger.
  4. Smashed or Crushed Fingertip or Toe:
    • Wash the finger (or toe) with soap and water for 5 minutes.
    • Trim any small pieces of torn skin with a scissors cleaned with rubbing alcohol.
    • Cover any cuts with an antibiotic ointment and Band-Aid.  Change daily.
    • Give acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol) or ibuprofen as necessary for pain relief.
  5. Torn Nail (from catching it on something):
    • For a cracked nail without rough edges, leave it alone.
    • For a large flap of nail that's almost torn through, use a sterile scissors to cut it off along the line of the tear (reason: pieces of nail taped in place will catch on objects).
    • Soak the finger or toe for 20 minutes in cold water for pain relief.
    • Apply an antibiotic ointment and cover with a Band-Aid.  Change daily.
    •  After about 7 days, the nailbed should be covered by new skin and no longer hurt.   A new nail will grow in over 6 to 8 weeks.
  6. Pain Medicine:  Give acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol) or ibuprofen as needed for pain relief.
  7. Call Your Doctor If:
    • Pain becomes severe
    • Pain not improving after 3 days.
    • Not using the finger or toe normally after 1 week.
    • Your child becomes worse or develops any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.

Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

Pediatric SelfCareNavigator. Copyright © 2000-2004 Barton Schmitt, M.D. FAAP

Reviewed 8/2004

Revised 7/2002

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