Cracked Screen Protector, Danger Lurks

By Norhidayyu Zainal

KUALA LUMPUR, May 1 (Bernama) – Many users often take lightly the cracks on their smartphone screen protectors and tend to delay replacing them.

However, did you know that a cracked screen protector can lead to more serious injuries than most people think?

Not only can it pose a risk of finger injuries, but it can also cause bacterial infections due to fine glass shards from the cracked screen.

According to Hand and Microsurgery Specialist, Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Prof 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  recently.

Previously, a case went viral on social media involving a phone repair shop worker who had to have part of his arm amputated due to a bacterial infection after fine glass shards entered a wound while repairing a customer’s LCD screen.

Dr Shalimar said that 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.

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“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,” she said.

Dr Shalimar added that compared to injuries caused by large glass pieces, which are more visible and easier to treat, small fragments are more concerning due to their difficulty in detection.

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

However, she 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 locked thumb condition.

Hence, she reminded the public that taking care of hand and body health should remain a priority, even in a world increasingly reliant on technology.

Meanwhile, a smartphone user, Juwita Halim, 40, admitted that she had used a cracked screen protector for a long time to save costs, only replacing it when the cracks became severe enough to interfere with her daily use.

“Thankfully, so far, I have not experienced any finger injuries despite using a cracked screen protector. However, I do admit it’s uncomfortable and I have to be extra cautious to avoid any unwanted incidents,” she said.

-- BERNAMA