Treating a Deep Paper Cut

Updated on February 19, 2009
M.W. asks from Minneapolis, MN
14 answers

I have a deep paper cut at the end of my finger and the throbbing kept me up most of the night. Is there anything I can do to help with the pain that has traveled to my wrist and lower arm too? Is there a topical cream that might numb the pain?

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

Featured Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.D.

answers from Lincoln on

neosporin makes a gel that has a pain reliever in it. This may sound weird, but super glue will help keep the cut closed while it heals and it protects it as well.

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

E.S.

answers from Madison on

I would rule out infection and once you have try hydrocortisone. I cracked my thumb and it worked like a charm

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.K.

answers from Sheboygan on

Please seek medical treatment if the pain has spread to your wrist and forearm! That can be a sign of an infection that is traveling (I work in health care). Yes, you can get an infection is something as small as a paper cut! In the meantime, continue to wash with warm water and mild soap.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.S.

answers from Minneapolis on

If you determine that it's not infected, they have "liquid bandage" products now. It's a bit like glue but it's designed to go on your skin and protect your cut. I find it works really well on difficult cuts like that. It should be by the band-aids at the grocery store or Target.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.H.

answers from Omaha on

I always put neosporin or even vaseline on cuts like these. It seems these products add some lubrication as the cuts begin to heal themselves. I have woken up in the night because of soreness from them too and it seems to help with that throbbing pain.

HTH,
A.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

P.P.

answers from Minneapolis on

Try soaking it in epson salt and water as hot as you can stand. Then put antibiotic cream on it and keep it wrapped. You may have hit a nerve, which would cause the shooting pain, or it may be getting infected. Keep an eye on your temperature, if you have a fever, or if the papercut is looking really raw and oozy, I'd go see a doctor.

I wouldn't put superglue on it since its an old cut. You don't want to risk gluing infection in the finger.

I hope it gets better soon. Paper cuts are the worst!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.P.

answers from Des Moines on

M....I would get into the dr. if the pain has traveled to your wrist & lower arm. You may have a serious infection. I BUMPED my elbow on the door frame of my office a few years ago. I had a scab on that elbow already. So when I bumped my elbow, within about 12 hours I was in INTENSE pain...I thought I HAD to have broken something to be in that much pain....but I seriously just bumped the elbow. I thought, 'how could I be in this much pain from something like that?!?!!' After 2 mis-diagnosis', and a trip to the ER, I found out I had a staph infection in the bursa sac, and I had to be admitted to the hospital for about a week and ultimately had to have surgery as they couldn't get the staph infection under control w/ extremely strong, IV antibiotics. I will never forget the pain I was in....it was so intense!!!! So PLEASE get this checked out w/ your doctor ESPECIALLY if it's red & swollen! The sooner the better! I'm not trying to scare you, but just sharing my experience w/ you...and if this pain has traveled that far from a paper cut on your finger....well, I just can't help but think about an infection. Please take care of yourself.....keep us posted! -L.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

B.T.

answers from Minneapolis on

I'm not sure about a topical for pain but I like to put superglue on my deep paper cuts, works great!
I would suggest tylenol or ibuprofen for the pain.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

T.L.

answers from Minneapolis on

Hi M.
If the pain is in your wrist and lower arm there is a good chance it is infected and you need to see the doctor.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.R.

answers from Minneapolis on

Super glue works like a dream.
J.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

T.T.

answers from Cedar Rapids on

Have you tried Neosporin+Pain? it's got pain medicine right in there.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.M.

answers from Bismarck on

I would treat the deep paper cut with an antibiotic cream and keep it covered either with a bandage or skin glue. Anything with benzocaine (over the counter cream) will provide numbing, but I would be careful about using it on an open wound. Hope your pain subsides soon--ibuprofen or tylenol would help...

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.S.

answers from Des Moines on

I had one of those last week...ouch! I cleaned it with hydrogen peroxide, and then my husband helped me superglue it. It was in an awkward enough location that I did not try to close it, but the superglue actually provided protection from reinjuring it.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.S.

answers from Milwaukee on

Neosporin makes an antibiotic ointment that also contains a numbing agent in it.

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions

Related Searches