Overview
- Puncture wounds are injuries caused by sharp objects
- These wounds carry dirt and germs deep into the tissues
- Increases the risk of infection
- Most wounds are minor and may be treated at home
- Some punctures are made by a health professional for disease treatment
- Even if the wound is closed, puncture wounds require treatment
Risk Factors
- Health professionals
- Drug Abusers
Causes
Puncture wound can be caused by -
- Nails
- Needles
- Teeth
- Objects like ice picks, bullets
- Animals, especially pets
Symptoms
- Pain
- Bleeding
- Bruising
- Swelling
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Treatment
- Stop the bleeding applying gentle pressure
- Clean the wound
- Try to remove embedded debris carefully
- Soak wound in warm water for 20 minutes
- This should be done 2-3 times a day
- Pat the area dry
- Apply an antibiotic cream
- Apply a bandage
- If the bandage needs to be changed, unwrap carefully
- If the bandage sticks to the body, use warm water to loosen it
- Pat dry and apply fresh bandage
- Change the dressing regularly
- Try to keep the wound above the level of your heart, for 24 hrs
- This quickens healing
- Rest for 3-5 days
- Look out for infection
- Take a Tetanus Toxoid injection, if you have not taken it in 5 years
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Consult a Doctor
In case of-
- Human/animal bite
- High temperature
- Bleeding
- Worsening Pain
- Numbness
- Swelling
- Redness
- Pus
- Bad odor
Prevention
- Health professionals should wear gloves whenever required
- Be careful while handling needles/other sharp objects
- Exercise caution while handling pets
