Knife Cuts on Fingers in Japan
Knife injuries can happen to anyone while cooking — not only with kitchen knives, but also with box cutters and utility blades. Just a brief moment of inattention can lead to a cut finger, and when that happens, it’s easy to panic and not know what to do.
In this post, I’ll walk you through the first aid steps to take if you cut your finger with a knife in Japan, along with important precautions and helpful tips you should know.
First Aid for Knife Cuts on Fingers in Japan
1. Wash the wound
Rinse the wound thoroughly with clean running water to remove dirt and debris.
※Avoid alcohol disinfection!
While alcohol can kill bacteria, it may also delay healing and is not suitable for deep wounds. For this reason, hospitals and medical guidelines recommend washing with running water and using an appropriate antiseptic instead.
2. Stop the bleeding
Apply gentle pressure to the wound with a clean gauze or cloth to stop the bleeding.
※Avoid tissues!
Tissues can dissolve in blood and stick to the wound, which may worsen it when removed.
3. Keep elevated above the heart
Raise the injured finger above the level of your heart to reduce bleeding.
4. Protect the wound
Cover the wound with gauze or a bandage to prevent contamination.
※Be cautious with hydrogel bandages!
Adhesive types that stick firmly to the skin may cause the wound to reopen when removed, delaying recovery.
Cautions When Treating Knife Cuts on Fingers
・Do not use hydrogel bandages
Some online sources say it’s okay to use hydrogel bandages, but at the clinic, the doctor strongly advised against it. According to the medical staff, each time you change the bandage, the wound may reopen slightly at the edges, which can slow down the healing process.
・Visit a hospital if the wound is severe
Most importantly, do not rely on self-assessment — it’s crucial to see a doctor.
What may seem like a minor cut at first could actually require stitches, and if not treated properly and promptly, the cut could worsen and take longer to heal.
Which Medical Department to Visit in Japan for Knife Cuts
1. Geka (外科 / Surgery)
Handles wound treatment, suturing, bleeding control, and infection management.
If you cut your finger deeply or need stitches, this is the most common department to visit.
2. Hifuka (皮膚科 / Dermatology)
Treats minor cuts, surface wounds, and burns.
However, if the wound is deep and requires stitches, dermatology is less suitable than surgery.
3. Keisei Geka (形成外科 / Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery)
Recommended when the wound is deep and may leave a large scar, or when both finger function and appearance are important.
In Japan, this department handles not only cosmetic surgery but also reconstructive treatments after injuries (e.g., finger amputations, nerve or tendon damage).
4. Seikei Geka (整形外科 / Orthopedics)
Necessary if bones, joints, tendons, or nerves are damaged.
For a simple cut, surgery or plastic surgery is more appropriate, but if bone or tendon injury is suspected, orthopedics is recommended.
※In most cases, visiting Geka (Surgery) is the safest choice.
If minimizing scars or preserving finger function is important, Keisei Geka (Plastic Surgery) may be more suitable.
Also, even small local clinics can provide basic treatment, so in an emergency, it’s best to first go to the nearest medical facility.
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