You can take over-the-counter pain medication to help relieve the pain as well. An NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) or naproxen sodium (Aleve) can help relieve the inflammation and pain. Take as directed on the packaging. [1] X Research source You don’t need to see a doctor unless the swelling won’t go down, you develop serious pain or numbness, or you can’t move your finger all the way in or all the way out. [2] X Research source

If you think you have a fracture, seek medical attention. You need an X-ray and the doctor may give you a finger splint or some other form of treatment. Do not put a splint on your finger unless a doctor tell you to do so. [3] X Research source

Put pressure on your wound for a few minutes to slow the flow of blood, which will help you assess how deep the wound is and if you need to see a doctor. If there is excessive bleeding or squirting blood, seek medical attention immediately.

Many doctors will still suture damaged or destroyed skin over the raw finger pad as protection while new skin grows back over the area. The skin will them be removed once new skin has formed. Lacerations may be shallow and stop bleeding soon after you get them, especially if you didn’t hit your finger that hard. If this is the case, wash the wound, put antibiotic ointment on them, and wrap them with a bandage.

A torn or cut tendon in the finger will make it impossible to bend your finger. A cut on the palm side of the hand or near the skin folds at the joints of your fingers may signal injury to the tendon below. You may also feel numbness due to associated nerve damage. Tenderness on the palm side of your hand may signal an injured tendon. You may want to request a hand surgeon if you show any of these signs, as repairing the hand and fingers can be a very intricate process.

You may also find that a portion of the fingernail has become detached or has been cut. If you have a significant cut in the nail bed, seek medical attention because you will likely need stitches. If you don’t get it treated, the cut may prevent nail growth, cause the nail to grow in a distorted manner, or cause infection. If the fingernail is partially or entirely gone, seek medical attention right away. This is a serious problem and needs attention. The fingernail may be removed or stitched up until a new, healthy fingernail can grow back. This can take up to six months. [5] X Research source

If the blood under the fingernail only covers 25% or less of your nail, you don’t have to do anything to it. The blood will work itself up your fingernail as it grows. Depending on how hard your thumb was hit will mean how much your fingernail becomes black as the blood dries. [6] X Research source If the hematoma is bigger than 50% of the fingernail, your doctor will request a finger X-ray. You should see a doctor to treat hematomas within 24-48 hours.

After the hole is made, the blood oozes out of the fingernail until the pressure is relieved. Your doctor will then bandage your finger and send you home. The doctor may use an 18-gauge needle instead, although cauterization is preferred. This process is painless because your fingernail has no nerves in it. [7] X Research source This process helps relieve pressure building up under the nail, which means you’re less likely to need the nail removed.

If you can’t get through it at first, reheat the tip of the paper clip and retry, pressing down just a little bit harder to get through the fingernail. Do not do this too hard because you don’t want to puncture your nail bed. You can take pain medication before you start if your finger is hurting you a lot. If you can’t do it yourself, as a trusted friend or loved one to help you out. [8] X Research source

You may want to anchor the gauze with a figure eight type maneuver that goes from your finger to the base of your hand. This will help the bandage stay on.

If you have stitches, ask your doctor before cleaning them. Follow any instructions he or she gives you on how to care for the stitches. You will likely have to keep them dry and should not clean them with any solution. [10] X Research source

Make sure you contact the doctor if you have additional symptoms, think you may be getting an infection, you get dirt or grime into the wound and can’t get it out, you experience any additional or excessive pain, or your wound starts to bleed uncontrollably. You should also contact your doctor if you experience any symptoms of nerve damage, including: a lack of sensation, numbness, or the development of a ball-like scar called a “neuroma” that is often painful and causes an electrical sensation when touched. [12] X Research source