Puncture Wound

This Care Guide Covers:

If not, see these topics

Animal caused it. See ANIMAL OR HUMAN BITE.
Looks infected. See WOUND INFECTION.
Skin is cut or scraped (not punctured). See CUTS, SCRAPES, or BRUISES (SKIN INJURY).
Foreign body (such as a sliver) remains in the skin. See SKIN FOREIGN BODY.

View images

X-Ray - BB in Left Upper Arm	Puncture Wound - BB Gun
First Aid - Removing a Splinter	Puncture Wound - With a Foreign Body

When to Call Your Doctor

	Call 911 Now (your child may need an ambulance) If
	Puncture on the head, neck, chest or stomach that may go deep You think your child has a life-threatening emergency
	Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If
	You think your child has a serious injury Bleeding won't stop after 10 minutes of direct pressure Puncture on the head, neck, chest, or stomach that is not deep Puncture into a joint Tip of the object broke off in the body Feels like something is still in the wound Won't stand (bear weight or walk) on punctured foot Needle stick from used shot needle Sharp object or setting was very dirty (such as a playground) No past tetanus shots Dirt in the wound is not gone after 15 minutes of scrubbing Pain is SEVERE and not improved 2 hours after taking pain medicine Wound looks infected (spreading redness, red streaks) Fever occurs You think your child needs to be seen urgently
	Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9 am and 4 pm) If
	You think your child needs to be seen, but not urgently Last tetanus shot was over 5 years ago
	Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If
	You have other questions or concerns
	Parent Care at Home If
	Minor puncture wound

Causes & Health Information

Causes

Commonly caused by a nail, sewing needle, pencil, toothpick.
Pencil lead is actually graphite (harmless), not poisonous lead. Even colored leads are not toxic.

CARE ADVICE FOR PUNCTURE WOUND

What You Should Know:
- Most puncture wounds do not need to be seen.
- Here is some care advice that should help.
Cleansing:
- Wash the wound with soap and warm water for 15 minutes.
- For any dirt or debris, scrub the wound surface back and forth. Use a wash cloth to remove any dirt.
- If the wound re-bleeds a little, that may help remove germs.
Trimming:
- Cut off any flaps of loose skin that seal the wound. These can interfere with drainage or removing debris.
- Use a fine scissors. Clean them with rubbing alcohol first.
Antibiotic Ointment:
- Use an antibiotic ointment such as Polysporin. No prescription is needed.
- Then, cover with a Band-Aid to reduce the risk of infection.
- Re-wash the wound and put on antibiotic ointment every 12 hours.
- Do this for 2 days.
Pain Medicine:
- To help with the pain, give acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) or ibuprofen. Use as needed. See Dose Table.
What to Expect:
- Puncture wounds seal over in 1 to 2 hours.
- Pain should go away within 2 days.
Call Your Doctor If:
- Dirt in the wound still there after 15 minutes of scrubbing
- Pain becomes severe
- Looks infected (redness, red streaks, pus, fever)
- Your child becomes worse

And remember, contact your doctor if your child develops any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.

Puncture Wound
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