Some Basics...

• Punctures are a type of skin wound made by a narrow sharp object.
• Puncture wounds can become infected, so need proper care.
• A tetanus shot is often needed after a puncture wound.

Types of Puncture Wounds

• Needlestick: If the wound is from a used or discarded needle, call a doctor right away. In some cases, medicines need to be started to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS.
• Foot Punctures: Punctures into the bottom of the foot have a 4% risk of infection. This risk is higher in people with puncture wounds that go through a shoe. Pain lasting 4-5 days after the injury may be a sign of infection.
• Pencil Lead Punctures: Pencil lead is made of graphite, which is harmless.  Pencils are not made of poisonous lead. Colored lead pencils are also nontoxic. However, the graphite will cause a tattoo if it is not scrubbed out.

1. What You Should Know:
   • Punctures are a type of skin wound made by a narrow sharp object.
   • Puncture wounds can become infected, so need proper care.
   • You can treat minor puncture wounds at home.
   • Here is some care advice that should help.
2. Cleansing: Wash the wound with soap and warm water for 15 minutes. Scrub the wound with a washcloth to remove any dirt.
3. Trimming:
   • Gently trim off any flaps of loose skin that cover the wound. These can keep the wound from draining.
   • Use small sharp scissors.
   • Clean the scissors with rubbing alcohol before and after use.
4. Antibiotic Ointment: Put on an antibiotic ointment covered with an adhesive bandage (Band-Aid) to reduce the risk of infection. Re-soak the area and put on more antibiotic ointment every 12 hours for 2 days.
5. Pain Medicines:
   • You can take one of the drugs listed below if you have pain.
   • They are over-the-counter (OTC) pain drugs. You can buy them at the drugstore.
   Acetaminophen (Tylenol):
   • Regular Strength Tylenol: Take 2 pills (650 mg) every 4-6 hours. Each pill has 325 mg of acetaminophen.
   • Extra Strength Tylenol: Take 2 pills (1,000 mg) every 8 hours. Each pill has 500 mg of acetaminophen.
   • Do not take more than (3,000 mg) of this drug per day.
   Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil):
   • Motrin and Advil: Take 2 pills (400 mg) every 6 hours. Each pill has 200 mg of ibuprofen.
   • A second choice is to take 3 pills (600 mg) every 8 hours.
   Naproxen (Aleve):
   • Aleve: Take 1 pill (220 mg) every 8 hours. Each pill has 220 mg of naproxen.
   • A second choice is to take 2 pills (440 mg) every 12 hours.
   Extra Notes:
   • Use the lowest amount of a drug that makes your pain feel better.
   • Your doctor might tell you to take more than what is shown above. That is because your doctor knows you and your health problems.
   • Acetaminophen is safer than ibuprofen or naproxen in people over 65 years old. Acetaminophen is in many OTC and prescription drugs. It might be in more than one drug you are taking. Be careful how much you take. Too much of this drug can hurt the liver.
   • Caution- Acetaminophen: Do not take it if you have liver disease.
   • Caution- Ibuprofen and Naproxen:
     • Do not take ibuprofen or naproxen if you are pregnant.
     • Do not take these drugs if you have stomach problems or kidney disease.
     • Do not take these drugs for more than 7 days without checking with your doctor.
   • Read all package instructions.
6. Expected Course: Puncture wounds seal over in 1-2 hours. Pain should get better within 2 days.
7. Call Your Doctor If:
   • Dirt in the wound is still there after 15 minutes of scrubbing
   • It begins to look infected (redness, red streaks, pus, or tender to touch)
   • Fever
   • Pain becomes severe
   • You get worse