Puncture Wound

Definition


Causes

When to Call Us for Puncture Wound

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 Us 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 Us During Weekday Office Hours If

  • You have other questions or concerns

Parent Care at Home If

  • Minor puncture wound

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
X-Ray - BB in Left Upper Arm

Puncture Wound - BB Gun

First Aid - Removing a Splinter


Puncture Wound - With a Foreign Body


And remember, contact us if your child develops any of the "Call Us" symptoms.

Author and Senior Reviewer: Barton D. Schmitt, M.D.

Copyright 1994-2013 Barton D. Schmitt, M.D.