Injury from Broken Glass
Greetings! A few hours ago, I accidentally cut my hand on a shard of wine glass that was in my trash bin. Initially, the bleeding ceased after applying steady pressure for about ten minutes; however, it resumed after I took a quick shower. I'm uncertain whether I require stitches, so I thought I would seek advice here. I attempted to provide clear views of the injury; I've included two images with my finger extended, two more with it bent, and one showing the palm side when my finger is bent, to illustrate how the skin flexes. Thank you for your assistance! Also, for your reference, I'm a 20-year-old female (transmale, using he/him pronouns).
Answers (1)
2/7/2026, 4:40:25 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear about your injury; it's understandable to be concerned about cuts, especially when the bleeding resumes. Here's some guidance to help you address the situation:
Main Points: You're dealing with a hand cut that initially bled but has started bleeding again. The next steps involve assessing the severity of the cut and managing it properly to promote healing.
Explanation: Cuts from glass can range in severity. Factors that determine if stitches are needed include the size and depth of the cut and whether the edges of the skin are apart or if there's significant bleeding. Since your bleeding resumed after you took a shower, it might indicate that the cut is deeper or that the pressure was insufficient to seal it.
Next Steps:
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Clean the Wound: Gently rinse the cut under clean running water to remove any debris. You can use mild soap around the area, but avoid getting soap directly in the wound.
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Apply Pressure: If the bleeding continues, apply gentle pressure using a clean cloth or bandage for about 10 more minutes. Keep your hand elevated to minimize bleeding.
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Assess the Cut: After bleeding is controlled, check the cut closely:
- If the edges of the cut are jagged, wide, or if it's more than half an inch long, you may require stitches.
- If you can see deeper layers or the bleeding doesn’t stop, it’s important to seek medical help.
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Dress the Wound: Once the bleeding is under control, cover the cut with a sterile bandage or dressing to protect it from infection.
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Monitor for Infection: Keep an eye on the injury for signs of infection, such as increasing redness, swelling, warmth, or pus. If the cut worsens, or if you develop a fever, you'll need medical attention.
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Consider Tetanus: If your tetanus vaccinations are not up to date (every 10 years), or if you’re unsure, consider checking into that aspect.
Please prioritize these actions, and if your injury doesn’t improve or if you're feeling uncertain about its severity, getting medical attention sooner rather than later is wise. Take care, and I hope you feel better soon!
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