What Should Be Done After Accidental Injury Through Broken Glass?

Posted on Fri, 21 Oct 2016

Question: Hi - my wife got a cut from broken glass at the base of her little/baby finger. The cut is almost half inches long and looks a little deep but the bleeding has stopped. Appreciate any advise on medication (anti-bacterial, pain killer, etc.) and general care. She is nursing a 7 month old. Thanks.

Answered by Dr. Dr.Arnab (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Follow the Advises..

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX Welcome to HCM,
I've gone through your query and understand your concern for your wife..

First of all, rinse the wound with clean R.O/ mineral water thoroughly and take her to get a Tetanus toxoid shot (I.M. shot), if not taken in past 3 months..

Secondly, don't keep the wound closed for now, and inspect under bright light for any remnant of small glass particles (they're hard to detect so inspect carefully and if in doubt seek help of a doctor nearby)..

It's good that bleeding has stopped, but be vigilant for any recurrence..
It'll be better she avoid any active works for now..

After inspection done and confirmed for no glass particles, she can apply Betadine ointment over the area twice daily and keep the area dry ..

If pain is too bothersome, simply take Tab PARACETAMOL 500mg twice daily after food for next 2-3 days , that'll do it..

Be careful for any pus formation, recurrence of bleeding, increasing swelling and if noticed then she may require a short course of antibiotic (eg. Co-Amoxyclav only after checking with a doctor)..

Let me know if there's any further queries..

Take Care
Kind Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee