How to treat a cut finger

[spork]

I cut my finger dicing onions. It's bleeding. What should I do?

[Alix]

How bad is it? Bandaid or stitches?

For the record, I vote yell, scream, jump up and down swearing.

[bakechef]

Super glue. No I'm not kidding, hold the cut closed and have someone put super glue on it, if it is too hard to do by yourself. It is full of alcohol so it will sterilize the cut and hold it closed. reapply daily if necessary.

[spork]

Superglue?!?!

I did the cursing thing already. When the accident happens, it's hard to know how bad or deep it is. My first reaction is to just stop the bleeding - pressure, ice, etc. Luckily, this one is shallow. But, I've got green peppers to chop too, while the pork pieces brown...

Do you have latex gloves in your cupboard? I don't, and maybe I should.

[purple.alien.giraffe]

Superglue does work, but for a deep cut I'd still go to the ER. Finger wounds are kinda like head wounds in that they bleed like you're dying even when they're minor. Lots of capilaries close to the skin surface. If you are worried about contaminating food you're preparing or getting food in the cut then once you get the bleeding stopped, bandage or wrap with gauze. Then use rubber gloves or if you don't have them wrap the finger in plastic wrap and tape closed. Just be careful not to wrap too tightly. You don't want to cut off circulation.

[bakechef]

A superglue type product is used in the medical field instead of stitches sometimes. I always use superglue. I hate bandaids because in my job I wash my hands dozens of times a day, the super glue holds up to all that handwashing. Since it is full of alcohol it sterilizes the cut and keeps it sealed from anything getting in that could cause an infection.

[spork]

No need for antibiotic ointment? which kinda grosses me out if it leeches into my food...

My stew is simmering. I'm still searching my garage for a tube of superglue.

[Andy M.]

Buy some finger cots at the drug store. They're like little condoms for your fingers. I use them when I cut myself and have a lot of prep still to do. Solves the 'blood in the food' issue.

[spork]

My stew is red chile. Maybe I should just chill and think of it as compatible spice.

I've had deep knife cuts in the past, too. Accidents that trigger systemic shock.

[PrincessFiona60]

The superglue is a good idea and you should keep powderless nitrile gloves, in your kitchen. I can usually find three or 4 dried out superglue tubes hanging around.