The approach for the management of a glass cutting injury will be based on the severity of the wound.
If the cut is not very deep with no severe bleeding, you may follow these first aid steps to manage the wound:
- To stop the bleeding
- Apply direct pressure over the wound using a clean cloth or gauze piece until the bleeding stops.
- If the cloth or gauze gets soaked, instead of removing the piece from the wound, put an additional piece of cloth over the soaked one to keep the pressure constant.
- Do not apply a tourniquet because it may reduce the blood supply and cause tissue necrosis.
- Cleaning the cut to prevent infection
- Before touching the exposed wound, your hands must be cleaned properly to avoid the spread of germs and infections.
- Gently clean the wound with a cotton cloth or gauze piece soaked in soap and warm water.
- Dettol antiseptic liquid or other mild antiseptics can be applied as well to prevent the wound from getting infected.
- Harsh chemicals, such as hydrogen peroxide, should be avoided to prevent further tissue erosion.
- Covering the wound for its protection
- If any skin flap is present, then it must be properly placed over the wound.
- After cleaning and proper drying up, it has to be covered to prevent its contact with the external environment and avoid contamination.
- Apply over-the-counter antibiotic cream and put a bandage over it.
- The bandage must be changed at frequent intervals.
For deep cuts or punctures that do not stop bleeding after applying first aid, take the patient to the nearby hospital for medical management as soon as possible.
What are the injuries possible by a glass cut?
The following injuries are possible from glass cutting:
- Superficial abrasion
- Small, incised cut with little bleeding
- Major incised cut with heavy bleeding
- Puncture wound
- Laceration
How do you identify a deep glass cutting injury?
A glass cutting injury will cause the following:
- A deep wound with its edges completely separated
- The blood oozes out even after applying pressure and multiple gauze pieces
- The muscle, tendon or bone are exposed completely
- Complete loss of sensation and function of the affected area (probably due to a nerve being cut)
If a simple cut gets infected, it will present with redness, pain, swelling, fever or fluid leak.
In case a large piece of glass is inside the wound, don’t try to forcefully take it out because it may rupture the involved blood vessel, increasing the risk of bleeding.
If there is any completely separated body part, such as part of the finger, then put it in a clean plastic bag with ice-cold water and take it to the hospital along with the patient for its reconstruction, if possible.
What are the complications of glass cutting injuries?
The following are the complications of glass cut injuries:
How do you prevent injuries from glass?
The following may help prevent injuries from glass:
- Don’t work around sharp objects without proper protective gear.
- After an accident, try safely removing the broken or shattered glass as soon as possible.
- Always try to wear shoes around broken objects.
Additionally, always having a DIY first aid kit on hand, which includes gauze, bandages and ointment, can help treat minor cuts and gashes. You can also consult your doctor for first aid treatment information.
QUESTION
Emotional trauma is best described as a psychological response to a deeply distressing or life-threatening experience. See AnswerHealth Solutions From Our Sponsors
Medically Reviewed on 9/2/2021
References
Northwestern Medicine. Hand Injuries Caused by Glass. https://www.nm.org/healthbeat/healthy-tips/hand-injuries
Medline Plus. Cuts and Puncture Wounds. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000043.htm
Medline Plus. Cuts and Puncture Wounds. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000043.htm
Complete List
Top What Should You Do if You Cut Your Hand With Glass Related Articles
bacitracin topical
Bacitracin topical is an antibiotic ointment applied locally to prevent infection in minor skin injuries including cuts, scrapes, and burns. Bacitracin ointment is also used to treat superficial infections in the eye surface and eyelids. Common side effects of bacitracin topical include rash, itching, pain, contact dermatitis, and hypersensitivity reaction (rare). Common side effects of bacitracin ophthalmic include eye irritation, pain, burning, stinging and itching, blurred vision, nausea, diarrhea, rectal itching, loss of appetite (anorexia), excessive sweating (diaphoresis), blood disorders, and hypersensitivity reaction.
Basic Steps of Wound Care
After you get the wound and follow all the steps of wound care, you need to observe your wound for a few days till it heals completely. Call the doctor if you feel that your wound has become infected.
Cuts, Scrapes, and Puncture Wounds
Learn about first aid for cuts, scrapes (abrasions), and puncture wounds, when to see a doctor, if tetanus shots are necessary, and how to spot signs of infection.
When to Call 911: Serious Symptoms to Never Ignore
It’s not always easy to tell the difference between a minor bump on the head and a serious head injury. Here are some situations that need medical help right away.
First Aid: Bandaging Injuries and Wounds From Head to Toe
Bandaging a wound like a burn, cut, or scrape requires different techniques depending on which part of the body was hurt. Ace bandages, liquid bandages, bandage wraps, waterproof bandages, elastic bandages, and other types are available to cover and protect your wound from dirt and water.
First Aid Sprains/Strains
View this First Aid slideshow on Care and Pain Relief. See how to get pain relief if you've bumped your head, sprained your ankle, or had a bruise, strain, or some other minor injury.
8 First Aid Kit Essentials for Scrapes, Cuts, Bug Bites, and More
Are you always prepared for a first aid crisis? See which basic first aid items to pack to treat minor scrapes, cuts, and stings when you're on the go.lidocaine topical
Lidocaine topical is used as a local anesthetic to numb and lubricate various parts of the body for medical procedures. It is also used to delay premature ejaculation and relieve minor skin irritations (sunburn, insect bites, minor burns, cuts, and scrapes). Side effects of lidocaine topical include allergic skin reactions, slow heartbeat (bradycardia), low blood pressure (hypotension), cardiovascular collapse, cardiac arrest, drowsiness, light-headedness, dizziness, and others. Lidocaine topical may be used in pregnancy, labor, and delivery, and must be used with caution in nursing women.
What Are the Categories of Wound Closure?
An open wound can be closed in any of the three ways. These ways are referred to as the three categories of wound closure or three ways of wound healing.What Is the Fastest Way to Heal an Open Wound?
An open wound is an injury that includes an external or internal break in your body tissue, usually the skin. Nearly, everyone experiences an open wound at some point in their life. Mostly, they are minor and can be treated with home remedies.When Should You Not Close A Wound?
Wounds should not be closed if there is a high risk of infection and in other situations. Wounds may be classified as acute or chronic or open or closed. They may be caused by penetrating objects, nonpenetrating trauma and other miscellaneous causes.