Foo - HELP! Cut my thumb/index finger webbing, what should I do?

So I was an idiot and cut the webbing between my thumb and index finger. It is about a 1/2" cut, and was deep enough that I saw a tendon. But since there is no muscle or fat there, I figure any cut there completely through the skin would reveal the tendon. I still have all motor function and feeling in my thumb.

I have since cleaned the cut with Provon antimicrobial soap and rubbing alcohol, and superglued it shut. I then taped my thumb to my index finger.

I'm good to go, right? Don't need any stitches? How long will it take to heal?

Here it is right now. I didn't take pics before I closed it up with superglue.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v120/fninjap90/IMG_4184.jpg

I essentially cut this......
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v120/fninjap90/IMG_4185.jpg

I cut my hand right there on the edge of a tin can lid many years ago. Bled like crazy, thought I saw tendons (nope, the white stuff is fat), ended up getting stiches. Still a scar there.

You used medical super glue?

No, hobby super glue. I washed it with antimicrobial soap, moved my thumb so that the cut was closed and non bleeding, wiped the area with rubbing alcohol, and dripped super superglue over the cut.

If it turns red, and swells up go see a doctor, not a bicycle mechanic.

Superglue?

I just hope this is a joke.

Superglue?

I just hope this is a joke.Cyanoacrylate (superglue/Krazy Glue) was used in the Vietnam War to seal wounds until they could be looked at professionally.

So while it'll work, I would hesitate to use it as a home remedy. It'd be just as easy to seal nasty crap inside the wound.

from the title, i thought you injured yourself while using the internet. lol

Neosporin... Good stuff. Lots of it.

Cyanoacrylate (superglue/Krazy Glue) was used in the Vietnam War to seal wounds until they could be looked at professionally.

So while it'll work, I would hesitate to use it as a home remedy. It'd be just as easy to seal nasty crap inside the wound.

I sliced my finger pretty good a couple of years ago. By the time I finally went to the doctor she saw that the wound wasn't bleeding any more and pulled out a new tube of Super Glue and squirted it on the top of the cut.

I've used super glue to close large cuts several times with great success. This includes a few that I had to use the super glue to help stop the bleeding. I carry some in my first aid kit for this very purpose.

Should be OK and heal fine if it doesn't infect. Are your Tetanus shots up to date?

Let's face facts here. OP is toast. Let's divvy up the treasures.

Casket or Cremate?

I vote cremate. Avoids any pesky autopsies after we've finished looting.

Good idea. You can have his first aid kit.

Like I'm going to let you anywhere near the Superglue.

...which will be an empty box by the time he croaks.


Seriously, the cut *may* heal by just taping it the way you did, but it will heal much better and much more quickly if you get the stitches. I take it you have no insurance? If not, then you may try to get by for a few days. If it gets infected, GO to the Emergency Room at the hospital. If it just won't close up, get an appointment with a doctor and have it stitched.

So I was an idiot and cut the webbing between my thumb and index finger. It is about a 1/2" cut, and was deep enough that I saw a tendon. But since there is no muscle or fat there, I figure any cut there completely through the skin would reveal the tendon. I still have all motor function and feeling in my thumb.

I have since cleaned the cut with Provon antimicrobial soap and rubbing alcohol, and superglued it shut. I then taped my thumb to my index finger.

I'm good to go, right? Don't need any stitches? How long will it take to heal?

Here it is right now. I didn't take pics before I closed it up with superglue.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v120/fninjap90/IMG_4184.jpg

I essentially cut this......
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v120/fninjap90/IMG_4185.jpg

i think they sell this sort of glue that's used to hold wounds closed. get some of that. if you've damaged the tendon chances are a knot will develop on it... it will go away with time. if you don't feel extra pain from using the thumb, particularly in a strenuous manner such as lifting something with decent mass, then it's probably fine. if you cut a tendon you'll noticed a muscle somewhere in your forearm roll up...


anyway, use that glue (and don't use just and damn glue!) and keep that thumb immobile for a week just to make sure. be careful with it and don't just jump into using it during a strenuous activity. build it up slowly even if just to make sure.

Clean it properly, use a single butterfly bandage. Put gauze and just enough tape to keep it there. If it does not close in 36 hours, see a doctor about infection/antibiotics.

Maybe you should just go to the ER now, as I hear they're full of flu cases. You'd probably see a doctor in about 36 hours if you leave right away.


edit: this may actually be correct, in which case, resort to plan B.

That is true, but also one less reason to go to the ER in the first place. That and the 2k dollar bill for stuff you can do at home.

That is true, but also one less reason to go to the ER in the first place. That and the 2k dollar bill for stuff you can do at home.

more like 10k...

They won't need any anesthesia or anything. My best guess around 2500. For 3 stitches, thorough cleaning and paperwork.

$2500....ouch...definitely can't afford that.

I haven't been to a doctor in forever. I'm 22, and I think I'm physically healthy and fit. It's been 5 hours since the cut and it isn't hurting or bleeding. I'm going to go to our university's health center and see what they think.

Eh, I live in Canada. Keep forgetting that going to the ER down where you guys are costs you more than your time.

I'm surprised you haven't been making crazy typing mistakes. You're pretty good.

There goes your love life.

Are you familiar with "The Stranger"?

Stitch it yourself if need be. Isn't that hard. My friend has done that a million times. Plus super glue should be fine I used it on my shin for a pretty deep wound.

My engineering at work. That'll keep her put while I sleep. Got some neosporin, antiseptic liquid bandage and gauze in there. Yes, that is a AA battery.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v120/fninjap90/IMG_4187.jpg