Wash your hands first
Apply direct pressure with a clean cloth or gauze
Raise the finger above heart level
Rinse the cut under clean running water
Remove visible dirt with clean tweezers
Clean around the wound with mild soap and water
Apply an antibiotic ointment if available
Cover with a sterile bandage or dressing
Change the dressing daily or when wet or dirty
Keep the finger clean and dry
Limit movement of the finger
Seek urgent medical care if the cut is deep, gaping, or won’t stop bleeding
Seek urgent medical care if fat, muscle, tendon, or bone is visible
Seek urgent medical care if the finger is numb, hard to move, or deformed
Seek urgent medical care if the cut was caused by a dirty, rusty, or animal/human bite object
Seek urgent medical care if there is increasing redness, swelling, pus, fever, or worsening pain
Get a tetanus shot if you are not up to date
Do not use hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, or iodine inside the wound
Do not remove embedded objects
Do not close the wound with glue or strips if it is deep or dirty