High-Pressure Injection Wounds
Injuries caused by the injection of a substance under high pressure into the skin are serious injuries. High-pressure equipment may be used for paint, paint thinner, grease, oil, fuel, or other liquids. Most high-pressure injection injuries affect the hands and fingers.
These injuries are at high risk for infection, swelling, damage to tissues under the skin, and possibly amputation. Get medical care right away for this type of injury. The risk of amputation increases if medical treatment is delayed for 6 hours or more.
Things that determine how severe an injection injury is include:
- The type, temperature, and thickness of the injected substance and how toxic it is.
- Paint, paint solvent, and paint thinner cause the highest risk of tissue damage and serious problems. The risk of amputation because of problems from these injected substances is high.
- Grease, oil, and hydraulic fluid may cause no visible reaction in the first few days after injection, but serious problems can become apparent after the first 3 days.
- The amount of substance injected. Larger amounts of fluid injected create more pressure on the blood vessels and other tissues.
- The speed and pressure settings of the equipment. Higher pressures cause more fluid to be injected.
- The site of injury. The hand that you use most often for tasks like writing or brushing teeth is called your dominant hand. Your other hand is called your nondominant hand. Your nondominant hand is twice as likely to be involved in a high-pressure injection injury than your dominant hand. The thumb and first two fingers are most likely to be injured.
- How much time has passed between the time of the injury and the time of treatment.
- The spread of the injected substance into other tissues.
- Health risks that may increase the seriousness of your injury.
Credits
Current as of: October 1, 2025
Current as of: October 1, 2025