How dangerous is internal bleeding on a finger?

How do I stop my finger bleeding?

• I just sliced into the top of my index finger with a newly sharpened knife. I've washed it in cold water, and applied pressure,but it's still bleeding. The cut doesn't look that deep or that big, but it's bleeding well. Should I just wrap plasters around it and leave it? (changing the dressings as/when necessary).

• Answer:

  Because the cut has been made with a sharp knife, it will be a very straight cut, making it harder for the blood's clotting properties to act. Elevate your hand - sit at a table, and put your elbow on the table so your fingers are pointing to the ceiling. Elevating the injury above heart level will decrease blood flow to the area. Continue to apply direct pressure to the wound with a clean gauze or clean cloth. It may well take up to 5 minutes for the bleeding to stop. You may want to apply adhesive wound strips such as steri-strips to the cut once the bleeding has stopped, to help keep the wound closed.