How Alcohol Can Help A Smashed Finger

A smashed finger is a common injury that involves trauma to one or more fingers and can lead to pain, stiffness, swelling, and bruising. While most smashed fingers don't require medical treatment, it's important to assess the damage and determine whether you need to seek medical attention. Treating a smashed finger typically involves managing pain and swelling, cleaning the wound, and promoting healing. While some sources recommend using ice and over-the-counter medications to achieve these goals, the use of alcohol on a smashed finger is not widely discussed. In fact, consuming alcohol is listed as something to avoid during the early stages of healing. However, one source does recommend using rubbing alcohol to clean and disinfect the injured finger and sterilize any tools used to treat the injury.

Treating a smashed finger with alcohol

Treating a smashed finger involves managing the pain and swelling. First, remove any rings, as they could cause problems if the finger swells. It is also important to elevate the injured finger above the heart to slow down blood flow and reduce throbbing.

Applying ice is a recommended way to reduce pain and swelling. Apply an ice pack wrapped in a clean cloth for 15 minutes at a time, a couple of times an hour for the first few hours. The cold from the ice can also help stop bleeding and prevent a blood blister from forming under the nail.

Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory and pain medications like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), acetaminophen (Tylenol), and aspirin can help reduce inflammation and associated pain. It is important to keep the wound clean, and new dressings should be applied at least twice daily.

If blood builds up under the fingernail, a heated wire or a sharp instrument may be used to burn a hole through the nail and drain the blood. This can be done at home with a safety pin or needle, but it is important to sterilise the instrument with rubbing alcohol before use. Alternatively, a healthcare provider may recommend leaving the nail alone to heal.

Rubbing alcohol can also be used to disinfect the injured finger. Pour a small amount on a cotton ball to clean the surface of the fingernail and then let it dry. Alcohol-based hand rubs are effective at preventing the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and are not associated with skin dryness or irritation when used correctly.

Home remedies for smashed fingers

A smashed finger can be extremely painful and is often the result of a hammer blow, car door, desk drawer, baseball, or some other force. Symptoms include severe pain, bruising, stiffness, or loss of sensation. The fingernail on the smashed finger may also fall off within a week or two of the injury.

Ice the injury

Applying ice to the smashed finger can help reduce swelling, bleeding, and pain. Wrap an ice pack or cold compress in a clean paper towel, cloth, or hand towel and place it on the injured finger for 10- to 20-minute intervals with 20-minute breaks in between, several times a day. Do not apply ice for more than 15 minutes at a time and do not put too much weight or pressure on the finger to avoid cold injury to the skin.

Elevate the hand

Raising the hand above the level of the heart can help ease throbbing pain and slow down bleeding.

Clean the wound

If the injury has resulted in an open wound, clean it as soon as possible. Wash the wound with mild soap and water, removing any dirt or debris with tweezers cleaned with alcohol. Dry the area and cover the wound with sterile gauze or bandages. Change the dressing at least twice daily.

Use over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers

OTC pain medication can help manage discomfort. Be sure to follow dosage guidelines or your healthcare provider's advice.

Remove rings

Remove any rings from the injured finger. They could cause problems if the finger swells.

It is important to note that while home care is usually sufficient to heal a smashed finger, severe injuries may require immediate medical attention. Seek medical help if you experience persistent bleeding, suspect a broken finger, or if symptoms do not improve with basic treatment. Additionally, do not attempt to drain blood from under the fingernail or splint the finger without consulting a healthcare professional.

When to seek medical attention

Smashed fingers usually heal on their own with rest, ice, and other pain relief strategies. However, there are certain instances where you should seek medical attention.

Firstly, if you are experiencing persistent bleeding, or if you think your finger is broken, you should seek medical attention. If the skin is cut open and the bone is exposed, or if there are signs of a fracture, you should also seek medical help. In addition, if the injury looks severe, or if there is persistent pain and swelling, you should consult a doctor. If you are unable to move your finger, or if there is a loss of sensation, this could indicate more serious nerve damage and medical attention should be sought.

If there is bruising under the fingernail, this can lead to a build-up of pressure and pain. If the pressure becomes severe, the fingernail may fall off. In this case, a healthcare provider may recommend draining the blood using a procedure called trephination, which involves piercing the nail and draining the blood. If the pressure beneath the nail is causing severe pain, this could indicate the need for medical attention.

It is important to look for signs of infection in the days following the injury, as this will require medical attention and usually treatment with antibiotics. Signs of infection include redness, heat, and swelling. If the injury involves the palm or any of the joints, such as the wrist, you should also seek medical help.

It is important to note that you should never splint or wrap a smashed finger, as this can reduce blood flow and impede the healing process. In addition, consuming alcohol can be detrimental to the healing process and should be avoided.

Preventing further injury

Smashed fingers are injuries involving trauma to one or more fingers. They can be caused by a forceful stretch or direct blow, such as when playing ball sports, or by a hammer blow, car door, or desk drawer.

To prevent further injury, it is important to act quickly and calmly assess the damage. If you are experiencing persistent bleeding, severe pain, or suspect a broken finger, seek medical attention. Minor injuries may heal on their own with proper care.

Clean the wound: Gently clean the injured area with mild soap and water or an antibacterial rinse. This will help prevent infection. Make sure to dry the area with a clean towel afterward. You can also use rubbing alcohol to further disinfect the wound.

Cover the wound: After cleaning, cover the wound with sterile gauze or bandages. Change the dressing at least twice daily to keep the area clean and prevent infection.

Ice the injury: Apply ice wrapped in a clean cloth or towel to the injured finger for 15-20 minute intervals, several times a day. This will help reduce pain, swelling, and bleeding.

Elevate the hand: Keep the injured hand elevated above the level of your heart to slow down blood flow and reduce throbbing and swelling.

Take pain relievers: Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), acetaminophen (Tylenol), or aspirin can help reduce pain and inflammation.

Move your finger gently: While rest is important, try to gently move your finger as much as possible without increasing pain. This will promote circulation and improve recovery.

Do not wrap or splint the finger: Compression can reduce blood flow and oxygen to the finger, hindering the healing process. Only use a splint if instructed by your healthcare provider.

Do not drain blood from under the nail: Unless instructed by your healthcare provider, do not attempt to drain blood that has pooled under the fingernail. This can be done by a professional using a technique called trephination.

Avoid certain substances and activities: Consuming alcohol, smoking, massaging the injured area, and applying heat can all delay the healing process in the early stages.

Remember, it is important to seek medical attention if you experience severe symptoms, inability to move your finger, exposed bone, or persistent pain and swelling.

Recovery times

The recovery time for a smashed finger depends on the severity of the injury and its location. Most smashed fingers start to feel better within three to four days. However, more complicated or severe cases may take several weeks or more to fully heal.

During the initial recovery phase, it is important to ice the finger to reduce swelling and pain. Icing should be done for no more than 15 minutes at a time and can be repeated several times a day. It is also important to keep the injured area elevated above the heart to slow down the blood flow to the finger, which helps reduce inflammation.

Once the initial pain and swelling improve, it is recommended to gently move and stretch the injured finger to improve recovery time by encouraging blood flow to the site. Gentle massage may also help in a similar way. It is important to avoid any movements or actions that cause significant pain or strain on the finger.

In some cases, a smashed finger may result in a broken finger or thumb, which can take several weeks to a year to fully heal, depending on the extent of the injury and the treatment required. If there is severe pain, bleeding under the fingernail, or if the finger is bent and cannot be straightened, it is important to seek medical attention.

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