Suggest Treatment For Swelling Around The Injured Area Of Thumb

Posted on Thu, 4 Dec 2014

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

Thu, 4 Dec 2014 Answered on

Mon, 29 Dec 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : My wife poked/stabbed herself in the wrist area beneath the thumb while prepping food. The 1/4 inch stab/puncture wound appears to be right over the vein leading to the thumb. The bleeding stopped pretty easily but the area has isolated swelling (maybe the size of my pinky) and has a bluish hue. Cold pack seemed to reduce the swelling. Should we be concerned? I think the stab was firm therefore deep but were it not for the odd swelling would require a wipe or two with alcohol and a small Band-Aid...Maybe not even the Band-aid.

Answered by Dr. Muhammed Aslam (23 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Better to take antibiotics.

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear, welcome to HCM forum.

The swelling just indicates a hematoma and will resolve its own in few days(ice pack will hasten recovery).

But, since the wound was caused by kitchen knife, there is high likely of secondary bacterial infection, and it is better for us to start a course of antibiotics. Usually we give antibiotics like ampicillin/amoxicillin+clavulonate for about 5 days along with anti-inflammatory agents. Topical antiseptic cream will be sufficient, if examination proves it is a superficial wound. Also, we need to have a tetanus shot. Your doctor will guide in this.

Meanwhile, keep the area clean and dry, apply some antibiotic creams like mupirocin/povidone iodine etc.

In the nutshell, though there are no serious signs it is advisable to see a doctor for treatment and the tetanus shot.

Hope I have answered your query.
Wishing for a faster cure.
Thank you.

Note: For further follow-up it is advisable to consult an emergency medicine specialist. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad