What Should I Do If My Thumb Gets Cut by Glass?

The treatment for a thumb cut by glass depends on the depth of the wound. If the wound is relatively shallow, it can be rinsed clean with tap water to wash away any glass fragments. Tweezers can also be used to remove any remaining glass fragments, and then the wound should be disinfected and bandaged. After that, the clothing should be removed and any remaining fragments shaken off. If the wound is deeper, the finger should be gently bent. If bending is impossible, immediate medical attention should be sought.

1. Rinsing the wound with tap water: First, gently rinse the wound with water to remove any surface fragments. The water should not be too strong, just enough to wash away any fragments that are not deeply embedded. Note: If the glass has penetrated the head or chest, immediate medical attention is required.

2. Removing small fragments with tweezers: Tiny fragments that are superficially embedded in the hand can be removed one by one using tweezers.

3. Disinfecting the wound with antiseptic solution: If there are many small fragments in the wound, they can be made to float to the surface by applying antiseptic solution. Then, rinse with tap water and disinfect the wound again.

4. Bandaging the wound: Place a gauze pad on the wound and wrap it securely with clean gauze. Avoid applying any ointment directly to the wound.

5. Removing fragments from clothing: If there are glass fragments on the clothing, remove the clothing and shake it to remove the fragments. Do not shake the clothing while wearing it to avoid being injured by any remaining small fragments.