Is numbness after a hand cut a sign of serious injury?

Question

Hello doctor,

A few days ago, I slipped while cleaning the top of my window and fell, causing my hand to go through the glass. I sustained a deep cut on my wrist and have been experiencing tingling and numbness in my pinky finger since the injury. It has now been several days, and the symptoms persist.

I have been cleaning the wound with hydrogen peroxide and povidone-iodine to prevent infection. However, I am uninsured and currently unemployed, so I have delayed seeking medical care due to concerns about the potential cost.

I am reaching out to ask:

Should I be seriously concerned about nerve or tendon damage?
Is it still beneficial to see a doctor after several days, or would any treatment be limited at this point?
Are there any low-cost or free medical resources I could explore?

Thank you for any guidance or advice you can provide.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I am really sorry to hear about your injury; that sounds painful and stressful. From what you described, it sounds like a deep cut (laceration), and if you are seeing red tissue, it could be muscle. Wounds that deep, especially if they expose fat, muscle, or are more than a couple of centimeters deep, usually need stitches or staples to heal properly.

A few things to keep in mind:

If you have not had a tetanus shot in the last 5 years, you should get one.
Be careful with cleaning; using hydrogen peroxide or alcohol too often can slow healing. Instead, rinse with clean water or a diluted antiseptic, then apply something like Povidone-iodine or Mupirocin.
For pain, Tylenol is fine; if there is swelling, something like Chymoral (serratiopeptidase) can help. Use Advil (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) sparingly if needed, as it may slightly delay healing.

The numbness in your pinky could mean your ulnar nerve is affected. If your ring finger feels numb, too, or if you are having trouble gripping or making a fist, you should see a doctor. Even after a few days, they may still be able to help prevent long-term issues.

I know cost is a concern; you might want to look for local clinics that offer sliding scale or free care. Let me know your location if you would like help finding one.

I hope this answers your query.

Please let me know if I can assist you further.

Thank you.

Is numbness after a hand cut a sign of serious injury?

Numbness after a hand cut?