For a really bad smashed finger, should I see a dermatologist or hold out for a hand specialist?

Are dermatologists specialists in finger smashings and finger damage - or should I try to see a hand specialist - I thought dermatologists were experts in nails?For a really bad smashed finger, should I see a dermatologist or hold out for a hand specialist?
First Aid





* Apply an ice pack to decrease the swelling.


* Over-the-counter pain medications may help relieve discomfort.


* If pain becomes excessive, with blood under the fingernail, talk to your health care provider. Your health care provider may assist you in taking the following steps to relieve the pressure:





1. Heat the end of a bent paper clip (or a similar size metal wire) over an open flame until it is red hot. Use a pair of pliers to hold the paper clip during sterilization.


2. While it is still very hot, touch the tip of it to the injured fingernail. This is not a painful procedure for most people.


3. The heat of the clip will burn a small hole in the fingernail. It is not necessary to press hard on the fingernail to burn a hole. (Another technique is to drill a small hole in the nail by twirling a scalpel blade, sharp knife, or needle.)


4. As the paper clip is removed, blood should start releasing through the small hole. If not, retry the procedure until blood comes out and pressure is relieved.


5. The pain will be relieved as the pressure is released. Soak the injured finger in warm water with a few drops of disinfectant for 20 minutes, 4 times a day, for 2 days.


6. This procedure can be repeated, if necessary, if the hole closes over and the pressure rebuilds.


7. The finger should be washed carefully before and after the procedure. Antibiotics may be administered if the procedure was not performed under sterile conditions.











* DO NOT Splint a smashed finger without first consulting your health care provider. Decreased long-term finger mobility may result.


* DO NOT Try to drain a swollen finger unless your health care provider instructs you to do so.





http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/鈥?/a>For a really bad smashed finger, should I see a dermatologist or hold out for a hand specialist?
Dermatologists are sking doctors they would not be able to do anything. I would go to the emergency room and get an x-ray to see if it is broken. then they will tell you to see an orthopedist -bone doctor .. or a hand specialist.
No. Dermatologists are skin doctors. You need an orthopaedist which is a bone doctor. Good luck!
You need to get it xrayed, then they will send you to an ortho doctor (bone doctor) if you fingernail is really infected from the smashing, the doctor will give you antibodics and maybe numb your finger and remove it.





Good Luck, as a Kid I used to always smash my fingers up!
There are at least 3 different doctors that can work on it.


1. Orthopedic: takes care of broken bones/sprains/soft tissue injury


2. Plastic surgeon: Takes care of some fractures, soft tissue injuries, and can repair a laceration under the nail, in the nailbed.


3. Family doctors: can examine the injury, order xrays and get you in to see another specialist, if needed.
a dermatologist takes care of skin problems. see a regular doctor first if you dont go to the emergency room. you might need to see an orthopedic doctor who works with bones and joints. some of them also specialize in hands.