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A puncture wound usually results from the skin being cut or torn open by a sharp object like a:
- knife
- nail
- piece of wood
- piece of glass or
- metal fragment
Any puncture wound may be serious, since it involves skin tissue damage that can result in infection. Puncture wounds can be deceptive in appearance. This is because many show little or no sign of external damage, yet they may have caused serious internal injury. For instance, considerable internal bleeding may be taking place with little outward evidence of the bleeding. Many minor puncture wounds can be treated using first-aid measures at home. Minor puncture wounds are usually small, shallow cuts that do not gape open. FIRST-AID MEASURES INCLUDE: - seek medical attention IMMEDIATELY if the object is in the eye or deeply imbedded in the skin. Do not try to remove it. Otherwise, gently remove the object from the skin.
- seek medical attention IMMEDIATELY if blood spurts or drips from the wound in spite of pressure, or bleeding continues after 10 minutes of pressure.
- allow the wound to bleed freely for several seconds to help clean it, and then gently wash the wound with soap and water.
- use a clean cotton swab or cotton ball to apply an antiseptic solution
- apply a sterile gauze bandage over the wound for 1 to 2 days
Also, you may need a tetanus booster within 72 hours of the injury if you have not had one in the last 5 years. DEEPER, PENETRATING WOUNDS REQUIRE PROFESSIONAL TREATMENT. A PUNCTURE WOUND MUST BE SEEN BY A DOCTOR RIGHT AWAY IF: - the bleeding cannot be controlled
- the victim loses feeling or movement in the area punctured or any area below the wound
- the wound pierces the abdominal wall or chest area
- the wound appears to puncture a joint (such as a knee or a knuckle) and keeps pulling open when the joint is moved or
- the wound needs sutures (when the edges of the cut keep separating, or the cut keeps bleeding, or the wound is on the face, tongue, mouth, lips, genitals, back of hands, or any cosmetic area)
TO CONTROL BLEEDING, USE THE FOLLOWING PRECAUTIONS PRIOR TO OBTAINING MEDICAL CARE: - elevate the wound and apply pressure with a clean, dry bandage
- add more gauze to a blood soaked bandage and keep the pressure constant and
- do not lift the bandage or gauze pads to check underneath
Any puncture wound may become infected. SIGNS OF AN INFECTION MAY INCLUDE:
Article #4928 Copyright (c) 2002 McKesson. All Rights Reserved. |
