Sewed through my finger (yeah I know) now it's really swollen. What now?

Question

Okay, I'm a dork, been running these machines forever and what do I do today? Get to close to one of the needles BAM right thru my finger, I mean in the top and out the bottom, before I could snatch it away (machine runs at 650 stitches per minute) CRASH it goes thru my fingernail and breaks off. I don't think there's any of the needle in there but i did have to pull some hot pink thread out of my nail. Anyway, it didn't bleed much and actually doesn't hurt to the point of needing pain meds but now it's swollen so big it feels like it'll burst. I KNOW I should have went to have it looked at but .. you know how it is

Ice maybe? I thought of epsom salt but the thought of the salt in those holes and YEOWEEE no thanx, Any suggestions on getting this swelling down?

P.S. It was one of those commercial embroidery machines In case you're wondering

Thanx Susie, yep that's what I did, it happened at 11:00 and I worked til 4 LOL
Nothing like a needle thru the finger to getcha going LOLOL :)

Answer 1

First of all, you NEVER EVER EVER put ointment on a puncture wound, which is what you have. Ointment clogs up the wound and prevents the body's natural ability to push out any bacteria left inside the wound from the thread and needle. Ointment should only be used on abrasions or cuts....NEVER on puncture wounds like stepping on a nail, cat bites, etc. Secondly, you should absolutely go to the doctor because you probably will need to be put on antibiotics for prevention of infection and if you haven't had a tetanus shot within 5-7 yrs. then you should get one. They are good for 10 but in an injury situation, we always ask if patients have had one in 5-7....by the way, I've been a medical assistant for 6 yrs. at urgent care and that is our typical protocol on dealing with puncture wounds. SO GO TO THE DOCTOR PRONTO...lol. Good luck.

Answer 2

Well that sounds absolutely horrible. I remember my grandmother sewing through her finger when I was little, but the machines weren't as sophisticated then as they are now, obviously, so the damage probably wasn't as severe. I can only guess (as a non-medical layperson), but I'm thinking this is going to be one of those things you just have to suffer through. The swelling should go down soon, I would think, but I would absolutely keep ice on it -- I've found that a bag of frozen vegetables (i.e. peas or corn) works better than ice cubes since it conforms to the shape of the inured part better. If there are open wounds, then you should probably use some sort of antibiotic cream or liquid. DEFINITELY get it checked by a doctor, though. I don't think tetanus would be an issue with an untainted sewing needle, but who knows. Just see what they say.

Answer 3

If you have not had a tetanus shot in the last ten years, you really need to go get one ASAP. Also have the doctor clean the would really well so it doesn't get infected. Staph infection would be a great possibility with this type of injury. You can clean it with Hibicleanse (spelling?) to keep infection away. This is the solution they give you when you get your ears pierced. It's great for puncture wounds because it does not burn and does not eat away the skin like peroxide. Never put peroxide on a puncture wound!!

Right now, put a cold pack on it and take some ibuprofen.

Answer 4

Epsom salts in water are a good idea, and no it wont sting it isnt the same as table salt....My Mom has done the same thing you described several times before and she usually cleans it with Peroxide which also wont sting and then put a bandaid with Neosporin on it. Ice should help with the swelling, however be careful and if the pain spreads excessively to the surrounding areas see a doctor.

Answer 5

first off - be sure your tetanus is up to date....puncture holes are the worse for tetanus infections. You can get a shot at your county health department for cheap.

secondly, I would leave the wound open to air (another one of those tetanus things) and apply some antibiotic ointment. You can use ice, just don't overdo it - wrap it in a towel or paper towel and be sure it only has contact with the skin for 10 or so minutes at a time. Another thing that can bring swelling down is to elevate the finger - above your heart. perhaps placing the arm on a stack of pillows as you lie down for 20-30 minutes.

Answer 6

Oh, my gosh, you presented up a memory from gone. even as my mom replaced right into a gentle female throughout the time of WWII, she labored at a plant, a authentic Rosie the Riveter. i do not somewhat recognize what precisely got here about, yet a ordinary stitching gadget sewed excellent via her large toe. because of this, she always joked that she had the ugliest ft interior the international. I joked lower back that I had the international's second ugliest. Now that she's lengthy gone, I carry the identify of the international's ugliest ft, yet i'd particularly have my mom lower back and be in second position. thanks! for the memory.

Answer 7

When did this happen??
Swelling is a classic sign of inflammation--so there is definatly some kind of injury to the finger and probably infection going on--
Try and soak it in ice water or warm water whatever would feel better, take Advil or Motrin and SEE A DOCTOR in the morning!

Answer 8

swelling is a natural response to trauma. it is too soon for cellulitis - that usually takes 4 to 8 hrs. heat redness and pain accompany infection.. did it go thru bone? It will probably get infected later, use very warm water soaks to increase circulation, and reduce chance of infection. any good triple antibiotic ointment with topical pain reliever helps a little,, it will hurt later, a lot. tetnus?? Watch for puss, or increased redness or excess pain..you should do ok..

Answer 9

Deep puncture wounds that seal quickly (your wound) are perfect for bacteria to set up and an abscess to form. Don't pass Go. Don't collect $200. Go directly to a Dr. and get antibiotics and a tetanus shot.

Answer 10

Neosporin and some ice should do the trick. Might wanna have a doctor check it out just to be safe. Slap on a band aid and keep going.