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Last Updated: Sep 2nd, 2008 - 19:12:01 |
(ARA) - The American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH) urges pumpkin carvers to use caution this Halloween season and take steps to prevent hand injuries when carving pumpkins.
“While many people enjoy pumpkin carving, it can also be dangerous,” says Alexander Marcus, MD of Orthopedic Associates of Edison, N.J. “Each Halloween, hand surgeons treat lacerations of skin, tendons, arteries and nerves because the wrong carving tools are used.” Safe practices, including inexpensive carving tools, may reduce the number and severity of injuries.
To prevent hand injuries, the ASSH suggests the following safety tips:
* Carve at a Clean, Dry, Well-lit Area
Wash and thoroughly dry all of the tools that you will use to carve the pumpkin: carving tools, knife, cutting surface and your hands. Any moisture on your tools, hands or table can cause slipping that can lead to injuries.
* Leave the Carving to Adults
Never let children do the carving; allow kids to draw a pattern on the pumpkin and have them be responsible for cleaning out the inside pulp and seeds. When the adults do start cutting, they should always cut away from themselves and cut in small, controlled strokes.
* Larger and Sharper is not Better
A larger and sharper knife is not necessarily better because it often becomes wedged in the thicker part of the pumpkin, requiring force to remove it. An injury can occur if your hand is in the wrong place when the knife finally dislodges from the thick skin of the pumpkin. Injuries are also sustained when the knife slips and comes out the other side of the pumpkin where your hand may be holding it steady.
* Use a Pumpkin Carving Kit
According to a research study conducted by Dr. Marcus, pumpkin carving saws require less force to pierce pumpkins than serrated and plain kitchen knives. At these forces, pumpkin carving tools were less likely to cause injuries. However, even pumpkin carving tools may wound hands so general safety rules should still be followed.
* Use a Pumpkin Decorating Kit
The safest option is pumpkin painting or decorating. Kids can express their creativity with paint and other items that can be glued or attached to the pumpkin.
Should you cut your finger or hand, bleeding from minor cuts will often stop on its own by applying direct pressure to the wound with a clean cloth. If continuous pressure does not slow or stop the bleeding after 15 minutes, or if the sensation, color or function of your finger(s) is otherwise diminished, an emergency room visit may be required.
For more information about the American Society for Surgery of the Hand and its free “Find a Hand Surgeon” service offered to the general public, please visit: www.handcare.org. Courtesy of ARA Content
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