How to Bandage a Finger

Apply a pressure bandage to reduce bleeding.

Finger injuries range from minor scrapes and cuts to wounds as major as a fingertip amputation. Anytime the skin barrier is broken, infection can occur. Hands are exposed to many different bacteria, so it is important to take precautions to prevent infection and promote wound healing. A finger bandage should be large enough to cover the wound but small enough to allow movement of uninjured joints. Bandages should be changed daily until the wound is healed.

Things You'll Need

• Mild soap
• Cotton swab
• Triple antibiotic cream
• Sterile gauze
• Adhesive bandage or elastic wrap

Instructions

1. Wash the wound with mild soap and water. Clean out any dirt or debris that is present in the wound. Dry thoroughly with a clean towel or air dry.

2. Squeeze a pea-size amount of triple antibiotic cream onto a cotton swab. Apply a very thin layer of cream to the wound. Excess cream will keep the wound damp, which could slow healing.

3. Fold gauze to form several layers and place it over the wound.

4. Use an adhesive bandage or elastic wrap to secure the gauze in place. Cover the gauze completely to seal the edges and prevent dirt from getting into the wound.

5. Cover fingertip injuries by placing gauze over the tip and securing it with an elastic bandage. Wrap the bandage in a figure-eight pattern coming up and over each corner of the fingertip until it is completely covered.

Tips & Warnings

• If you feel numbness or tingling, or your fingertip turns a dark color, loosen the bandage.

• Some people are allergic to antibiotic creams. In these people, the cream may cause skin irritation that impedes healing.

References

• Mayo Clinic: Blisters: First Aid
• Mayo Clinic: Cuts and Scrapes: First Aid