First Aid

Minor fractures of the bone in the tip of the finger or toe are often left untreated. However, some fractures need to be splinted.

Blood often pools under the nail of the smashed finger or toe, causing severe throbbing pain. A doctor can relieve this pressure by draining the blue-black blood you can see through the nail. If the blood is under more than a third of the nail, see your doctor.

Often the nail is partly pulled off during the accident. Do not pull it off. See your doctor, who may be able to fix it.

There are several steps you can take to relieve pain and speed healing of a smashed finger or toe or torn nail. If symptoms do not improve in 2 to 3 days, call your doctor.

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.