Does A Punctured Subcutaneous Vein Of The Hand From A Rusty Edge Require Immediate Attention?

Posted on Mon, 12 Feb 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 12 Feb 2018 Answered on

Wed, 26 Sep 2018 Last reviewed on

Question : I was dragging an old aluminum chair down to garbage and a rusty edge punctured the top of my hand over a vein. I washed it out and put pressure on it but the spot has become a bulge. Should I go to dr or walk in clinic now or can it wait until tomorrow?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Ivan Romich (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:

Can wait.

Detailed Answer:

Hi and welcome.

You probably cut subcutaneous vein and it is normal for hematoma to form.

You should wash it and put elastic compression and have pressure on it and there is no need for urgent care if there is no external bleeding.

But in the morning you may need tetanus shot and wound dressing. Wish you good health.

Hope I have answered your query.

Regards,
Dr. Ivan R. Rommstein, General Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D