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How to Treat a Saw Cut on the Fingertips

It happens to even the most careful among us: A split second of inattention or distraction while using a saw results in a cut. If the cut is minor, you can treat it at home with simple first aid practices. More severe cuts require a trip to the emergency room.

Things You'll Need

  • Soap
  • Washcloth
  • Tweezers
  • Isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol
  • Sterile gauze
  • Medical adhesive tape
  • Antibacterial ointment
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Instructions

  1. Clean the Wound

    • 1

      Hold the cut finger under cool running water or hold your hand in a tub of cool water while gently pouring water over the wound from a cup.

    • 2

      Wash the area around the cut with soap and a soft cloth. Avoid getting soap in the wound itself since this can cause pain and irritation.

    • 3

      Carefully remove any remaining dirt or debris from the wound with tweezers that have been cleaned in rubbing alcohol.

    Assess the Damage

    • 4

      Determine the depth of the cut. If you can see the bone, or if the cut is more than 1/4 inch deep, the wound probably requires stitches. Visit your doctor, an emergency room or an urgent care facility immediately.

    • 5

      Determine the length of the cut. Cuts with very jagged edges or those that are more than 3/4 inch long may require stitches. If this is the case, seek immediate medical attention.

    • 6

      Test your mobility. If you cannot bend or straighten your fingertip, you may have damaged the tendon that controls the fingertip's movement and your injury requires immediate attention from a doctor.

    Stop The Bleeding and Dress The Wound

    • 7

      Place a clean piece of gauze over the wound and apply gentle pressure to the cut with your other hand. Leave the gauze in place for 20 to 30 minutes. If blood soaks through the gauze, do not remove it; add another layer of gauze.

    • 8

      Raise your injured hand above the level of your heart to help slow the bleeding.

    • 9

      Apply a small amount of antibacterial ointment to a clean piece of gauze or an adhesive bandage. If using gauze, place it on top of the wound and apply adhesive tape to hold the gauze on the cut. If using an adhesive bandage, position the absorbent pad on top of the wound and secure the adhesive strips around the finger.

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