Pumpkin carving is a beloved annual tradition, but it’s also the leading cause of Halloween-related injuries in the United States. In 2022, an average of 3,200 Halloween-related injuries were treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments, with 55% of those being related to pumpkin carving.
Hoag Orthopedic Institute hand and upper extremity surgeon, Nicholas Rose, MD, is reminding pumpkin enthusiasts to keep safety top of mind this Halloween season.
“Pumpkin carving can pose unexpected risks to your hands and wrists, as the pumpkin’s tough outer shell and slippery interior can make it difficult to control a knife,” says Dr. Rose. “Taking a few simple precautions, like using the right tools and carving on a stable surface, can help keep your Halloween festive and your hands injury-free.”
When it comes time to carve your pumpkin, Dr. Rose recommends the following safety tips:
Tip 1: Make sure your hands and carving tools are dry and clean.
Tip 2: Keep your hands outside the pumpkin and cut in a direction away from you and your other hand, not towards!
Tip 3: Use dull serrated blades rather than traditional sharp knives.
Tip 4: Consider using knife alternatives, such as painting pumpkins or using colored markers as an alternative to carving. A carving kit with tools designed for the craft are safer for older children.
Tip 5: In general, it’s safer when adults do the carving, but if children do carve, they should do so in a well-lit area on a sturdy, non-slip surface with adult supervision.
Tip 6: If an injury occurs, rinse the wound with clean water and apply an antibiotic ointment and a bandage. Seek medical evaluation within the first week of injury to catch any injury to tendons, nerves, blood vessels and bones to optimize recovery with early care.
About the Author:
Dr. Nicholas Rose is a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon who specializes in hand and upper extremity surgery.