Protecting Your Hands This Summer: Simple Tips and What to Do in an Emergency

Summer brings sunshine, outdoor activities, and more opportunities to enjoy time with family and friends. However, it also means greater exposure to risks that can affect your hands, from sunburn and insect bites to accidental cuts and burns during barbecues, gardening, or sports. At Regional Hand Center, serving Merced, Visalia, and Fresno, our expert team is dedicated to helping you keep your hands healthy and safe all season long.

Common Summer Hand Injuries

Your hands are essential for everything you do, making them especially vulnerable during summer activities. Some of the most common hand injuries we see include:

Cuts and Lacerations from yard work, cooking, or outdoor hobbies
Burns from grills, campfires, or hot surfaces
Sunburn and skin irritation from extended sun exposure
Insect bites or stings that can cause swelling or allergic reactions
Sprains or fractures from sports or falls

Simple Tips to Protect Your Hands

Wear Gloves: Use protective gloves when gardening, handling hot objects, or doing yard work to prevent cuts, burns, and blisters.
Apply Sunscreen: Don’t forget to apply sunscreen to the backs of your hands to avoid sunburn and long-term skin damage.
Stay Hydrated: Keeping your skin hydrated helps prevent dryness and cracking.
Be Cautious with Tools: Always use tools as intended and keep them in good condition to reduce the risk of injury.
Watch for Insects: Use insect repellent and check for stings or bites after spending time outdoors.

What to Do in a Hand Emergency

Despite your best efforts, accidents can happen. If you experience a hand injury:

For Cuts or Lacerations: Clean the wound gently, apply pressure to stop bleeding, and cover with a clean bandage. Seek medical attention if the cut is deep or won’t stop bleeding.
For Burns: Cool the burn with running water, avoid applying ice, and cover with a sterile, non-stick bandage. Seek care if the burn is severe or blisters form.
For Insect Bites or Stings: Remove any stinger, wash the area, and apply a cold pack to reduce swelling. Seek help if you notice signs of an allergic reaction.
For Sprains or Fractures: Immobilize the hand, apply ice, and keep it elevated. Visit a specialist for evaluation and treatment.

When to Seek Expert Care

If you have a hand injury that is severe, persistent, or affecting your ability to move your fingers, it’s important to see a specialist. At Regional Hand Center, our board-certified surgeons, including Dr. Randi Galli, Dr. Ricardo Avena, and Dr. Isobel Santos, are here to provide prompt, expert care for all types of hand injuries. Our locations in Merced, Visalia, and Fresno make it easy to get the help you need, close to home.

Don’t Let Summer Injuries Slow You Down

Enjoy your summer with confidence by taking simple steps to protect your hands. If you have questions or need urgent care for a hand injury, contact the Regional Hand Center team. We’re dedicated to helping you heal and get back to your favorite activities safely.