How do I manage a bleeding finger laceration?

How to Stop a Finger Cut from Bleeding

Apply firm, direct manual pressure to the bleeding site with clean gauze or cloth until bleeding stops—this is the most effective first-line method for controlling bleeding from a finger laceration. 1

Immediate First Steps

• Wash your hands first before touching the wound to reduce contamination risk 2
• Apply direct pressure using gauze or a clean cloth directly over the bleeding site and maintain continuous pressure 1, 3
• Hold pressure for at least 5-10 minutes without lifting to check if bleeding has stopped, as premature removal disrupts clot formation 3
• If blood soaks through the initial gauze, add more layers on top without removing the first layer, as this preserves any clot that has begun to form 1

If Direct Pressure Alone Fails

• Apply cold therapy (ice pack) to the wound area while maintaining pressure, as vasoconstriction helps reduce bleeding 1
• Consider using a hemostatic dressing if available and direct pressure is ineffective after several minutes—these dressings improve hemostasis effectiveness and shorten time to bleeding control compared to standard gauze 1

Once Bleeding Stops

• Apply a pressure dressing to maintain hemostasis after initial bleeding control is achieved 1
• Wrap an elastic bandage firmly (but not too tight) over the gauze to hold it in place with sustained pressure 1
• Clean the wound thoroughly with running tap water or sterile saline to remove debris and foreign material—avoid using antiseptics for initial irrigation as they may damage tissue 2, 4

Tourniquet Use (Extreme Circumstances Only)

• A tourniquet should only be considered for life-threatening finger bleeding that cannot be controlled by the above methods, which is exceptionally rare for simple finger cuts 1, 5
• If a tourniquet is necessary, use a commercial tourniquet (at least 2 inches wide if improvised), apply it proximal to the wound, and document the time of application 1
• Re-evaluate tourniquet necessity as soon as possible to minimize ischemic complications 5

What NOT to Do

• Do not use pressure points or elevation alone to control bleeding—these methods are ineffective and delay proper treatment 1
• Do not apply antiseptics for wound cleaning—use only water or saline for irrigation 4
• Do not remove the initial gauze if blood soaks through; instead add more layers on top 1

When to Seek Medical Care

• If bleeding continues despite 10-15 minutes of sustained direct pressure 1
• If the wound shows signs of infection (increasing redness, warmth, swelling, purulent discharge) 2
• If the laceration is deep, involves tendons or nerves, or has jagged edges requiring suturing 6
• Ensure tetanus vaccination is current, particularly for contaminated wounds 2, 7