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Finger or Toe Injury, Minor

Care at Home

Bruised/Swollen Finger or Toe:
- Soak in cold water for 20 minutes.
- Give acetaminophen or ibuprofen as necessary for pain relief.
Superficial Cuts:
- Apply direct pressure for 10 minutes with a sterile gauze to stop any bleeding.
- Wash the wound with soap and water for 5 minutes.
- For any dirt in the wound, scrub gently.
Jammed Finger or Toe:
- Caution: be certain range of motion is normal (can bend and straighten each finger).
- Soak the hand or foot in cold water for 20 minutes.
- Give acetaminophen or ibuprofen as necessary for pain relief. See dosage chart. Ask your pharmacist to recommend a pediatric brand containing either of these ingredients.
- If the pain is more than mild, protect it by "buddy-taping" it to the next finger.
Smashed or Crushed Fingertip or Toe:
- Wash the finger (or toe) with soap and water for 5 minutes.
- Trim any small pieces of torn skin with scissors cleaned with rubbing alcohol.
- Cover any cuts with an antibiotic ointment and Band-Aid. Change daily.
- Give acetaminophen or ibuprofen as necessary for pain relief.
Torn Nail (from catching it on something):
- For a cracked nail without rough edges, leave it alone.
- For a large flap of nail that's almost torn through, use sterile scissors to cut it off along the line of the tear (Reason: Pieces of nail taped in place will catch on objects).
- Soak the finger or toe for 20 minutes in cold water for pain relief.
- Apply an antibiotic ointment and cover with a Band-Aid.Change daily.
- After about 7 days, the nailbed should be covered by new skin and no longer hurt. A new nail will grow in over 6 to 8 weeks.
Pain Medicine:
- Give acetaminophen or ibuprofen as needed for pain relief.
- See dosage chart.
- Ask your pharmacist to recommend a pediatric brand containing either of these ingredients.
IF your child becomes worse: Review Should I Call? recommendations.