Puncture Wound
When an object such as a nail pierces the skin and leaves a hole, this injury is what is called a puncture wound. A puncture wound may not excessively bleed and may close up on its own without any medical treatment, but in some cases it may not.
Tending to a puncture wound as quickly as possible is the best way to keep infection at bay. If the puncture wound is severe take the patient straight to the hospital for professional care. If it's a minor puncture tending to it at home works. But always watch for infection signs.
You need to be concerned about what the object is that created the puncture wound. For example, a rusty nail may carry tetanus that can cause significant medical issues. Other common objects that may carry tetanus or bacteria include wood splinters, glass, pins, and nails. Puncture wounds can also be caused by scissors and knives, as any sharp object can cause a puncture wound. What first aid should you administer when you get a puncture wound?
The first thing that you need to do is make sure that the object is not left in the puncture wound. This includes any piece of the object where it has broken or flaked off. After you have checked the wound carefully to be sure that there is not anything left in it, you need to allow the wound to bleed freely. If the blood is spurting out or is especially heavy, apply pressure until the bleeding stops. If it does not stop, you will need to get medical attention. Most of the time, a puncture wound will stop bleeding on its own, but if it does not seek out medical help.
The next step to take care of your puncture wound is to clean the wound. A simple cleansing with mild soap and water are all you need to do this. If you cleanse the puncture wound and still see dirt or debris in the wound, you can remove it with an alcohol sanitized pair of tweezers. If this does not remove the dirt or debris, you will want to get medical attention.
Protecting the wound is the next step. Apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment over the wound to cover and protect the puncture wound. Be sure that you apply it with a clean piece of gauze or cotton swab. Your first inclination may be to put a lot of antibiotic ointment, but a large amount of ointment can attract bacteria to your puncture wound. Apply the ointment three times a day after cleaning the wound.
A puncture wound is not necessarily something that you need to worry about, but it can cause significant health issues if you do not take proper care of it or your wound is inflicted by an object that carries tetanus or bacteria. By understanding more about puncture wound care, you can better take care of yourself or your family to keep all of you healthy.
