Puncture Wound

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

A puncture wound is a hole in the skin made by a sharp, pointed object.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Medicines:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine: This group of medicine is also called NSAIDs. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine may be given to bring down a fever or to decrease pain. This medicine can be bought without a doctor's order. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems if they are not taken correctly.
  
  
• Antibiotics: This medicine will help fight or prevent an infection. Take your antibiotics until they are gone, even if you feel better.
  
  
• Take your medicine as directed: Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell him if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits.

Follow up with your primary healthcare provider in 1 to 2 days:

Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

Wound care:

Keep your wound clean and dry. When you are allowed to bathe, carefully wash your wound with soap and water. Put on clean, new bandages. Change your bandages every time they get wet or dirty. Ask for more information about wound care.

Manage your symptoms:

• Rest: Rest your injured area as much as possible. If the puncture wound is in your leg or foot, use crutches for 2 to 3 days as directed. This will help keep the weight off your injured leg or foot as it heals.
  
  
• Elevate: Raise the injured area above your heart as often as you can to reduce swelling. Use pillows to raise the area comfortably.

Contact your primary healthcare provider if:

• You have a fever.
  
  
• You have more swelling, redness, or pain.
  
  
• You have problems moving the injured part or have tender lumps in your groin or armpits.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Return to the emergency department if:

• You have severe pain.
  
  
• You have new drainage or a bad odor coming from the wound.
  
  
• You have numbness or tingling in the area of your wound.
  
  
• Your wound does not stop bleeding, even after you apply pressure.
  
  
• You have trouble swallowing and your jaw and neck are stiff.
  
  
• You have trouble talking, walking, or breathing.

Copyright © 2012. Thomson Reuters. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Learn more about Puncture Wound (Aftercare Instructions)