What should I do for a swollen fingertip after cutting myself while cutting shrimp?

Management of Swollen Fingertip After Knife Cut While Handling Shrimp

For a swollen fingertip that was cut by a knife while handling shrimp, you should thoroughly clean the wound with soap and water, apply antibiotic ointment, cover with a sterile dressing, and monitor closely for signs of infection due to the high risk of marine bacteria contamination.

Initial Wound Management

1. Clean the wound thoroughly:

   • Wash hands before treating the wound 1
   • Irrigate the wound with clean tap water or sterile saline (100-1000 mL) to remove all visible contaminants 2
   • Use warm water to reduce pain during cleaning 2
   • Scrub gently with soap and water to remove all foreign material 2

2. Assess the wound:

   • Check for depth, foreign bodies, and signs of infection (increased redness, warmth, swelling)
   • Evaluate for tendon or nerve damage (test finger movement and sensation)
   • Determine if the wound needs suturing (deep cuts may require medical attention)

Treatment Approach

For Minor Cuts:

• Apply direct pressure to stop any bleeding
• After cleaning, apply an antibiotic ointment to the wound 2
• Cover with a non-adherent dressing such as Mepitel™ or Telfa™ 2
• Secure with medical tape or bandage

For Deeper Cuts:

• Seek medical attention promptly, especially if:
  • The cut is deep or gaping
  • You cannot clean it thoroughly
  • There is significant swelling, pain, or loss of function
  • The wound shows signs of infection

Special Considerations for Seafood-Related Injuries

Cuts from knives used to prepare seafood, especially shrimp, carry a high risk of infection with marine bacteria:

• Streptococcus iniae and Streptococcus dysgalactiae are known to cause serious soft tissue infections from seafood handling 3, 4
• These infections can progress rapidly, especially in immunocompromised individuals 3
• Seafood is implicated in 10-19% of foodborne illnesses in the USA 5, 6

Monitoring and Follow-up

• Keep the wound clean and dry
• Change the dressing daily or when soiled
• Watch closely for signs of infection:
  • Increasing redness, swelling, or pain
  • Red streaking from the wound
  • Purulent (pus) drainage
  • Fever or chills
  • Seek immediate medical attention if these develop 2

When to Seek Medical Care

Seek immediate medical attention if:

• The swelling worsens significantly
• You develop red streaking up your finger or hand
• You have fever or increasing pain
• The wound appears infected (increasing redness, warmth, pus)
• You have diabetes or are immunocompromised 2

Prevention for Future Reference

• Wear protective gloves when handling raw seafood 3
• Use caution with sharp instruments when preparing seafood
• Clean all surfaces and utensils thoroughly after preparing raw seafood
• Wash hands thoroughly after handling raw seafood 1

Remember that marine organisms carry specific bacteria that can cause serious infections different from typical skin flora. The combination of a cut and exposure to seafood creates a higher risk situation than an ordinary cut, requiring vigilant monitoring and prompt treatment if signs of infection develop.