A puncture wound is a wound made by a sharp, pointed object.
Some common objects that cause puncture wounds are nails, pins, teeth, and
bullets.
Symptoms of the wound can include pain, bruising, bleeding, and swelling.
Can I treat it at home or should I seek medical care?
Some puncture wounds cause very little bleeding. If the wound is small,
it can probably be treated at home.
Wounds that bleed through a bandage need professional medical care. Call
your doctor.
Large wounds or wounds that bleed a lot need professional medical care.
Wounds that have objects or small pieces stuck in them need professional
medical care.
If an animal or human bite draws blood, the wound should be treated by a
doctor.
How do I care for a puncture wound?
It is important to keep the wound clean. Wash your hands before giving first
aid.
If the wound is large and bleeding, do not wash it. It needs professional
medical attention.
Wash a smaller puncture wound with a stream of soap and warm water.
Cover it with a clean bandage. Keep the bandage clean and dry. Change it
daily or change it if it gets wet.
Do not pull large objects from a wound or stick things in it to try to clean
it.
Wash the wound every day. Soak it in warm water for 10 to 20 minutes.
Do not swim with a puncture wound.
How will a doctor care for the wound?
Doctors do not usually use stitches to treat
puncture wounds.
The doctor may give you a tetanus shot, especially if the wound was caused
by a bite.
If the wound was caused by an animal bite, you should report it to the county
public health department. Ask your doctor.
How long does it take to heal?
How long the wound takes to heal depends on how deep it is.
It can take 2 days to 2 weeks to heal.
What are signs of infection?
Puncture wounds are easily infected because the object that pierced the
skin may have been dirty.
Signs of infection include redness, swelling, pus, a bad smell, or red streaks
coming from the wound.
An infected area may feel warm or become increasingly painful.
When should I call the doctor?
Call if you have a fever.
Call if pain or other symptoms get worse.
Call if blood soaks through a bandage.
Call if the area below the wound gets numb or swells.
Call if you think the wound is infected.
Quick Answers
A puncture wound is a wound made by a sharp, pointed object.
Minor puncture wounds can be treated at home. Wounds that are deep, bleed
a lot, or wounds caused by an animal or human bite should be treated by a
doctor.
To care for a wound, rinse it with soap and warm water. Cover the wound
with a clean bandage and keep the area dry.
A doctor should treat a serious wound. However, stitches are not usually
used for puncture wounds.
The wound could take 2 days to 2 weeks to heal.
Watch for signs of infection. Symptoms might include swelling, redness,
pain, or pus coming from the wounded area.
MayoClinic. Puncture Wounds. Mayo Foundation of Education and Research.
2002 January 09 (cited 2002 April 29). URL: http://www.mayoclinic.com/invoke.cfm?objectid=A0A3E617-3B02-4AC5-98E945C7B7AA909F&printpage=true
MEDLINEplus: Medical Encyclopedia. Wounds. 2001 November 18 (cited 2002
April 29). URL: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000043.htm
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