Hand Laceration (Skin Cut)

Description

Cut on the hand. Lacerations of the hand can be simple involving only the skin or complex with injury to tendons, nerves and/or blood vessels. With tendon lacerations there is weakness of the hand and/or fingers, and with nerve damage numbness is experienced beyond the laceration.

Symptoms

Laceration, inability to flex or extend the finger, numbness.

Tests

A history and physical exam will be performed. Testing of the tendons and nerves will be done.

Treatment

Simple lacerations require only closure of the skin. More complex lacerations may require repair of tendons, arteries, or nerves. Hand lacerations should be repaired within 12 hours to prevent infection. While waiting for treatment the laceration can be cleaned with running water and covered with gauze or a clean cloth. Pressure on the wound can be applied to stop bleeding. If the bleeding is profuse consider calling 911. A tetanus shot may be needed if the last shot was more than 5 years for a dirty wound or more than 10 years for a clean wound.

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