Puncture Wounds
What is a puncture wound?
A puncture wound is when the skin has been completely
punctured by an object that is pointed and narrow, such as a
nail. The wound is not wide enough to need stitches.
Because puncture wounds usually seal over quickly, there is
a greater chance of wound infection with this type of skin
injury. Puncture wounds of the upper eyelid are especially
dangerous and can lead to a brain abscess. A deep infection
of the foot can begin with swelling of the top of the foot 1
to 2 weeks after the puncture. Another risk is tetanus if
you are not immunized against tetanus.
How can I take care of myself?
- Cleansing. Soak the wound in warm water and liquid soap
for 15 minutes. Scrub the wound with a washcloth to
remove any debris. If the wound rebleeds a little, that
may help remove germs.
- Trimming. Cut off any flaps of loose skin that cover the
wound and interfere with drainage or removing debris.
Use fine scissors after cleaning them with rubbing
alcohol.
- Antibiotic ointment. Apply an antibiotic ointment and a
Band-Aid to reduce the risk of infection. Resoak the
area and reapply antibiotic ointment every 12 hours for
2 days.
- Pain relief. Take acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen
(Advil) for any pain.
When should I call my health care provider?
Call IMMEDIATELY if:
- Dirt in the wound remains after you have soaked the
wound.
- The tip of the object could have broken off in the wound.
- The sharp object or place where the injury occurred was
very dirty (for example, a barnyard).
- The wound looks infected (redness, streaks, pus).
Call during office hours if:
- It has been at least 5 years since you last had a tetanus
booster.
- Pain, redness, or swelling increases after 48 hours.
- You have other questions or concerns.
Written by B.D. Schmitt, M.D., author of "Your Child's Health," Bantam Books.
This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to
change as new health information becomes available. The
information is intended to inform and educate and is not a
replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or
treatment by a healthcare professional.
Copyright © 2006 McKesson Corporation and/or one of its subsidiaries. All Rights Reserved.