Not only could it pose a risk of finger injuries, but it could also lead to bacterial infections owing to fine glass shards from the cracked screen.

According to hand and microsurgery specialist Dr Shalimar Abdullah, cracked screen protectors can cause cuts on fingers, leading to open and bleeding wounds.

“It is even more dangerous if tiny fragments, which are not visible, enter the skin, as they can cause infections and pus buildup,” she told Bernama.

One case that has gone viral on social media involved a phone repair shop worker who had to have part of his arm amputated owing to a bacterial infection after fine glass shards entered a wound while repairing a customer’s LCD screen.

Shalimar said if a minor wound is not treated properly, there is a higher risk of complications such as internal infections, tissue damage, and the need for minor surgery to remove the fragments.

“In most minor cases, cuts from cracked glass can be cleaned with antiseptic and securely bandaged. However, if symptoms such as swelling, redness or pus appear, seeking immediate medical attention is the best step to prevent the infection from spreading.”

Shalimar added that injuries caused by large glass pieces are more visible and easier to treat; small fragments, however, are more concerning due to their difficulty to detect.

If the fragments cannot be removed manually, the patient may require a minor procedure at the hospital to thoroughly clean the wound, she said.

That said, Shalimar noted that injuries caused by cracked screen protectors are very rare. More commonly observed problems are “text neck syndrome” – pain in the neck, shoulders and back due to prolonged downward head position – and “trigger thumb”, or a locked thumb condition.

Hence, she reminds the public that taking care of one’s hand and body health should remain a priority in a world that is increasingly reliant on technology.