Experiencing Medical Adhesive for the First Time
I apologize for the awkwardness of this message, as I’m typing with my non-dominant hand. I'm a young woman, and an incident occurred while I was drinking. To keep it brief, I managed to accidentally slice the tip of my thumb off about two hours ago. Thankfully, it wasn’t an extensive injury, but enough to cause bleeding that lasted for roughly 30 minutes, even with pressure applied and my hand elevated. (For context, the cut extends a few millimeters deep, penetrating beyond just the surface layer of skin.) Following the accident, I visited the hospital where they applied medical glue, wrapped it up, and discharged me. As I was leaving, I began experiencing some pain, which persists. Upon returning home, I noticed some blood on the gauze covering the injury, which appeared roughly an hour after I got back. Is this typical? The hospital did not provide any pain relief, which I’m not overly concerned about since it is only my finger, but my tendency to be a bit of a hypochondriac is making me anxious. This is my first experience with such an injury. What’s the recommended method for cleaning it once I change the dressing? Thanks in advance!
Answers (1)
2/7/2026, 1:40:28 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel anxious after an injury, especially a deeper cut that required medical attention. You're not alone in feeling this way, and it's great that you're seeking information to care for yourself properly.
Main Points:
- Some bleeding and pain can be normal after receiving medical glue treatment.
- Proper cleaning and dressing of the wound are crucial for healing.
- Monitor your injury for signs of infection or worsening symptoms.
Explanation:
After a cut, especially one that penetrates deeper layers of skin, some bleeding can occur even after initial treatment. It’s typical for there to be a bit of blood on the dressing as your body works to heal itself. The pain you are experiencing might be due to the injury itself or from the glue and dressing. It's okay to feel discomfort, but if the pain becomes excessive or doesn't improve, that might be a reason to seek further evaluation.
Next Steps:
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Monitor the Injury: Over the next few days, keep an eye on the site for any signs of infection such as increased redness, swelling, warmth, or pus. It's normal to have some mild pain and tenderness, but worsening pain might indicate a problem.
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Change the Dressing: When it's time to change the dressing (ideally after 24-48 hours), do the following:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
- Gently remove the old dressing. If it sticks, moisten it with saline solution or clean water to ease removal.
- Rinse the wound gently with clean water to remove any debris.
- Pat the area dry using a clean towel or gauze; avoid rubbing to prevent irritation.
- If advised by your healthcare provider, you may apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment (like Neosporin) to prevent infection.
- Cover the wound with a new sterile dressing or bandage.
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Pain Management: If you find the pain bothersome, over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help. Always follow the dosage instructions on the package.
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Follow Up: If you notice symptoms like excessive bleeding (more than a few drops), severe pain, or signs of infection, it’s important to seek medical attention.
Remember to take care of your mental health as well; it's completely normal to feel anxious after an accident. If these feelings persist, consider talking to someone about them. Take care, and I hope your recovery goes smoothly!
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