....or losing the nail? Ice? Anything else?
2006-10-26 04:37:17 · 16 answers · asked by Lane 1 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ First Aid
For Smashed Fingers:
* If the person can move the smashed finger or toe easily and the injury
does not involve the nailbed, apply an ice pack to reduce swelling and use acetaminophen (Tylenol) or a similar over-the-counter pain reliever.
* If the finger or toe is bleeding, apply pressure on the wound and elevate above the heart until bleeding stops. Wash the wound with soap and water, and watch for any signs of infection.
* If you suspect a possible bone fracture or the smashed finger or toe involves a deep or serious cut, seek medical attention immediately.
For Torn Nails:
* Clip carefully along the line of tear.
* Soak nail for 20 minutes in cold water to reduce swelling.
* Apply antibiotic ointment (such as bacitracin) and cover with nonstick sterile dressing to keep clean.
* On second and third days, cover loosely with an adhesive bandage, use antibiotic ointment, and continue to soak.
* On fourth through sixth day, soak daily in warm salt water (¼ teaspoon in 8 ounces of water) and apply antibiotic ointment. Cover with nonstick sterile dressing to keep clean.
* On seventh day, stop the soaking and dressing; new skin should be formed.
http://www.parknicollet.com/healthadvisor/firstaid/smashfinger_2.cfm#For
2006-10-26 04:48:11 · answer #1 · answered by Sancira 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If the nail has went black, particularly at the bottom, you should use a sterilised needle or paperclip (heat it with a lighter until glowing red) to poke a hole in his thumbnail near the base. Just be careful. It will cause some momentary pain, but it releases the blood that is trapped between his flesh and the nail. Watch out since the blood will probably spurt out as it is under pressure.
2006-10-26 04:49:30 · answer #2 · answered by msm1089 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it's gone black and swollen under the nail you need to release the blood in there. Best done by heating up a sharp needle to red hot and piercing the nail. Unpleasant but necessary
2006-10-26 04:44:05 · answer #3 · answered by boojum 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To better get coverage over the complete wounded area, submerge it in a cup or iced water...re-ice as necessary. Better results if you have iced tea to help reduce the stinging sensation.
2006-10-26 04:43:58 · answer #4 · answered by Jim D 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To stop the nail from swelling, keep submerged in icy water for as long as is reasonably possible.
To keep the door from swelling, keep it dry.....
(Sorry --- hope the thumb doesn't cause him too much bother).
2006-10-26 04:49:00 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
My Mum soaked mine in vinegar ... but I can't remember how effective it was! Good Luck!
P.S. I remember I had to keep the trapped nail in the glass of vinegar for hours! It did soothe the pain ...
2006-10-26 04:41:49 · answer #6 · answered by kiteeze 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Run it under cold water for at least 10 mins, it could be too late though by now.
2006-10-26 04:45:10 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ice immediately! Then call the doctor and ask your question to her or him or the advice nurse.
2006-10-26 04:39:31 · answer #8 · answered by Dr. Obvious 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
very cold water , ice even . his nail might drop off mind , but itll grow back .
2006-10-26 04:45:43 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just ice it and keep an eye on him daily.
2006-10-26 04:44:48 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋