A puncture wound describes a wound that occurs when the skin breaks from the insertion of a narrow, sharp object. Examples of instruments that can cause puncture wounds are needles, pencils, nails, tacks, or toothpicks.
Puncture wounds are dangerous for several reasons. Slim, long objects may break in the wound bed, discarding a portion of the object in the body. Puncture wounds also lend themselves to infection, particularly tetanus infection. The tetanus bacteria favors puncture wounds to other kinds of wounds, although it is by no means unique to punctures.
Punctures wounds should be assessed seriously to determine whether to seek medical help. If the wound occurs to the head, eyes, neck, throat or abdomen, you should seek emergency medical treatment. Also, if the wound is deep, or if part of the object breaks off in the wound. Be particularly careful if the wound is near a joint, or on the bottom of the feet—if you have difficulty walking due to the pain, you should see a health care professional. Similarly, if the object is dirty, especially if it is from the outdoors, a barn, or a beach, seek medical care immediately.
If the object is intact, the wound is shallow, and the area affected is non-vital, simple steps to cleanse the wound should be sufficient. Wash the wound with mild soap, warm water and a washcloth for fifteen minutes after the injury. Puncture wounds close quickly, so it is important to cleanse it immediately. After cleansing the wound, apply antibiotic ointment to the wound, and cover it with a bandage.
If a fever develops within one to two days of the injury, seek medical care immediately. A fever can indicate an infection in the wound. Other signs of infection may include redness, red streaks near the wound, swelling, and tenderness.
Know your medical history well enough to know when you received your last tetanus shot. If it has been longer than ten years, see your doctor immediately to receive a tetanus booster.
