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Think I got a vein..
I accidently stabbed myself on my left hand, and I think i got a vein. It's extremely painful, and is now a lump and looking a bit blueish. Is this serious, or just one of those things? What can I do to reduce the swelling?
Thanks.
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Want to answer more questions in the Health & Fitness category?
Maybe give some free advice about: Injuries?
It would be important to know how long ago this happened. However, from what you are telling me you most likely have what is called a hematoma. This is caused by bleeding under the skin, which basically is a broken or punctured blood vessel and the blood accumulates under the surface of the skin. This happens very frequently in a puncture wound that does not bleed on the outside much. It's similar to a bruise and may or may not be serious, usually it's not. You should see a Dr if any of these are present:
1. You cannot move your hand/fingers completely
2. The swelling seems to be getting worse
3. The pain increases and doesn't improve with rest or pallative treatment.
4. You have redness, warmth, increasing tenderness or foul drainage at the site of the wound, or a fever (this would indicate infection)
5. You have a slow clotting factor due to a disorder, or are taking aspirin, or coumadin.
6. You are in need of a tetanus shot (every 5 years for puncture wounds)
For treatment
Initially elevate your hand above your heart and apply a cold pack wrapped in a towel.
After 24 hours use a warm moist pack 3-4 times a day for 20 minutes each to help the old blood that is under the skin be reabsorbed.
Apply a rather loose dressing that doesn't close the wound completely off but keeps the wound clean, it should be allowed to drain somewhat.
Okay..now for the other answers, if this just happened it's most likely not an infection just yet. I've had tons of experience with these types of wounds as I was a nurse in a beef processing plant for 15 years. "Lot's of knives you know"
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evry1 that answered this is right! go osee a doctor. it could be infected, or a dieses. trust me, my cousin is a nurse. :)
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Rarely do I answer a question only to repeat what others already said. However I concur, go and see a doctor. There is no reason to let a possible infection become a problem.
By the way, you can tell if you stabbed a vein or an artery by the colour of the blood (the blood from the veins is much darker than the bright red arterial blood... at least if I remember my biology correctly).
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Sounds infected. You could get get blood poisening, go see a doctor.
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that is very serious... you should go to the hosipital or see a doctor immediately
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It would be wise to have it checked out by your doctor. There may be nothing to worry about but it is always sensible to make sure that you have not done anything serious. As for the swelling I suggest that you run a flannel under the cold tap for a while and then wring it out and apply it to the swelling. Alternatively, run your hand under a cold tap or put some ice wrapped in a tea cloth over it. You could go to your local chemist and ask for something to apply to the bruising but your best bet is to have it checked by a professional. Hope that helps.
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