Puncture Wounds - First Aid and Emergency Treatment Guide

Overview

• Puncture wounds are injuries caused by sharp objects
• These wounds carry dirt and germs deep into the tissues 
• Increases the risk of infection 
• Most wounds are minor and may be treated at home 
• Some punctures are made by a health professional for disease treatment 
• Even if the wound is closed, puncture wounds require treatment

Risk Factors

• Health professionals 
• Drug Abusers 

Causes

Puncture wound can be caused by -

• Nails 
• Needles 
• Teeth 
• Objects like ice picks, bullets 
• Animals, especially pets 

Symptoms

• Pain 
• Bleeding 
• Bruising 
• Swelling 

Treatment

• Stop the bleeding applying gentle pressure 
• Clean the wound 
• Try to remove embedded debris carefully 
• Soak wound in warm water for 20 minutes 
• This should be done 2-3 times a day 
• Pat the area dry 
• Apply an antibiotic cream 
• Apply a bandage 
• If the bandage needs to be changed, unwrap carefully 
• If the bandage sticks to the body, use warm water to loosen it 
• Pat dry and apply fresh bandage 
• Change the dressing regularly 
• Try to keep the wound above the level of your heart, for 24 hrs 
• This quickens healing 
• Rest for 3-5 days 
• Look out for infection 
• Take a Tetanus Toxoid injection, if you have not taken it in 5 years 

Consult a Doctor

In case of-

• Human/animal bite 
• High temperature 
• Bleeding 
• Worsening Pain 
• Numbness 
• Swelling 
• Redness 
• Pus 
• Bad odor 

Prevention

• Health professionals should wear gloves whenever required 
• Be careful while handling needles/other sharp objects 
• Exercise caution while handling pets