Experts Explain How to Avoid Pumpkin Carving Injuries

While carving a pumpkin into a Halloween masterpiece is a fun family activity, it carries the risk of severe hand and finger injuries, especially for children and teens.

As Halloween approaches, people nationwide are gearing up to create jack-o'-lanterns out of pumpkins, a tradition that originated in pre-industrial revolution Ireland. Since pumpkins were not readily available then, people made jack-o'-lanterns by carving out root vegetables such as turnips.

However, as pumpkins became accessible, folks realized they were larger and easier to carve than root vegetables. Soon, the bright orange winter squash became the popular choice for Halloween decor.

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While pumpkins are easier to cut than turnips, cutting into them with a knife can be a daunting task. They have thick skin and a tough pulp, and the inside contains slimy fibrous strands attached to slippery seeds.

This combination can make carving a Halloween pumpkin risky, especially for the hands and fingers. In fact, in the United States, fall pumpkin carving activities result in a significant number of emergency room visits each year.

For example, in a 2022 study, scientists reviewed the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) for pumpkin-related knife injuries from 2012 to 2021. They found that around 20,579 pumpkin carving injuries occurred during that time frame, with most wounds located on the hand and thumb.

Moreover, 31.5% of injuries were sustained by 10- to 19-year-olds, and 19.5% occurred in children under 10. Almost half of all injuries happened in the last week of October.

The art of pumpkin carving requires a tool to cut through the skin and pulp and a scoop or spoon to clean out the fibrous insides. A kitchen knife is the most common tool people choose to cut their pumpkins. However, according to experts, this blade type might increase the risk of injury.

"Pumpkin carving accidents are largely preventable," said SueAnn Woods, Ph.D., associate professor and director of the Master of Occupational Therapy program in the West Virginia University (WVU) School of Medicine, in a news release. "You can reduce your risk of an accident by using commercially available pumpkin carving kits that contain small, serrated knives instead of a kitchen knife."

Woods noted that while these kits don't eliminate injuries, research indicates they are linked to fewer and less severe injuries than kitchen knives.

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According to the American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH), a sharp knife can become wedged in the pulp, which requires force to remove it. Since the blade is sharp, injuries can occur when it dislodges. In contrast, the ASSH says serrated knives that come with kits are less likely to get stuck and aren't sharp enough to cause deep cuts.

To further reduce the risk of injuries while carving Halloween pumpkins, B. Seth Powers, assistant professor at WVU, suggests:

  • Supervising children while cutting pumpkins
  • Carve in a clean, dry area with plenty of lighting
  • Focus on hand position throughout the cutting process
  • Cut away from the body using controlled movements
  • Never use stabbing motions with the knife

Powers also recommends that parents and caregivers consider alternative activities for young children, such as adorning pumpkins with stickers instead of carving.

Despite the best prevention efforts, accidents can still occur. Woods said that if a person experiences a cut while pumpkin carving, they should immediately apply direct pressure with a clean cloth.

"If continuous pressure does not slow or stop the bleeding or your finger motion appears limited, an emergency room visit is recommended," Woods said. "While an injury may appear superficial, hand function can be severely affected if the laceration severs tendons or nerves."

In some cases, people with severe pumpkin carving injuries will need occupational therapy to recover hand function and range of motion or manage pain and swelling. Woods explained that rehabilitation after a carving injury can focus on fine motor control or grip strength, depending on the individual's needs.

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