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Puncture Wound
WHAT YOU SHOULD
KNOW
Puncture wounds are perforations made by sharp, pointed
objects. The object may carry dirt and germs deep into the
tissues. This kind of wound usually takes from 2 days to 2
weeks to heal, depending on its depth. Most of the time these
wounds are not stitched closed because of the danger of
infection.
Causes
Nails, needles, teeth, ice picks,
bullets--any sharp, pointed object can cause a
puncture.
Signs/Symptoms
Puncture wounds are accompanied
by pain, bruising, bleeding, and swelling. Bleeding is
beneficial because it helps carry dirt out of the wound.
However, some puncture wounds may cause very little
bleeding.
Care
Because puncture wounds are
especially prone to infection, it is extremely important to
clean the wound well and to keep it clean by soaking it several
times a day. Your doctor may give you a tetanus shot if you
have not had one in the past 5 to 10 years. If you think there
might still be something in the wound, you will probably need
an x-ray.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
-
Soak the wound in warm water for 10 to 20 minutes 2
to 3 times a day. After soaking, put a fresh bandage over
it.
-
Keep the bandage clean and dry. If it gets wet and
must be changed, unwrap it slowly and carefully. If the
bandage sticks or starts to hurt, use warm water to loosen
it gently. Pat the area dry with a clean towel before
putting on another bandage.
-
If possible, keep the wound lifted above the level of
your heart for 24 to 48 hours. This will help reduce the
pain and swelling and promote healing.
-
Do not go swimming and, if the wound is on your hand,
do not wash dishes until the puncture has healed (usually
3-5 days).
-
If you are given a tetanus shot, your arm may get
swollen, red, and warm to the touch at the site of the
shot. This is a normal reaction to the
medicine.
Call Your Doctor If...
-
You have a high temperature.
-
Blood soaks through the bandage.
-
The pain in the wound gets
worse.
-
You feel numbness or see swelling of the skin below
the wound.
-
You have redness, swelling, pus, a bad smell, or red
streaks coming from the wound. These are signs of
infection.
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