Puncture Wound

What is a puncture wound?

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

What are the signs and symptoms of a puncture wound?

The area may be bruised or swollen. You may have bleeding, pain, or trouble moving the affected area.

How is a puncture wound diagnosed?

Your caregiver will ask about your medical history and examine your injury. Tell him how and when you were injured. He will check to see how deep the wound is. He will look for signs and symptoms of infection. He will check how well you can move the injured area and ask if you have any numbness. Tell him if you have had a tetanus shot.

• Blood tests: You may need blood taken to check your wound for infection.
  
  
• Imaging tests: You may need an x-ray, CT scan, or MRI. These tests will take pictures of the bones and tissues in your wound area. This will help caregivers see if there is a foreign object in your wound.

How is a puncture wound treated?

Treatment will depend on how severe the wound is, its location, and whether other areas are affected. It may also depend on your health and the length of time you have had the wound. Ask your caregiver about these and other treatments you may need:

• Wound cleaning: Soap and water may be used to wash away germs and decrease the chance of infection. Your caregiver may cut open a part of the affected area to be able to clean it better. The wound may be rinsed with sterile water. Germ-killing solutions may also be used. Objects, dirt, or dead tissues from the wound will be removed with debridement (surgical cleaning). Your caregiver may also drain the wound to clean out pus.
  
  
• Medicines:
  
  
  • Antibiotics: This medicine will help fight or prevent an infection. Take your antibiotics until they are gone, even if you feel better.
    
    
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medicine may decrease swelling and pain or fever. This medicine can be bought with or without a doctor's order. This medicine can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If you take blood thinner medicine, always ask your primary healthcare provider if NSAIDs are safe for you. Always read the medicine label and follow the directions on it before using this medicine.
    
    
  • Td vaccine: This vaccine is a booster shot used to help prevent diphtheria and tetanus. The Td booster may be given to adolescents and adults every 10 years or for certain wounds and injuries.
  
  
• Surgery: You may need surgery if your wound is deep and blood vessels, bones, or nerves need to be repaired. Your wound may be left open until it heals or may be closed right away with stitches.

How can I manage my 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.

What are the risks of a puncture wound?

• A puncture wound may be more serious than it looks. Blood vessels, nerves, bones, and other tissues under the skin may be damaged. The wound may become infected when germs get into it. Infection often occurs when the object that caused the wound carries germs or pushes dirt into the tissues. If the wound becomes infected, it may have pus in it. The area around the wound may be red and feel warm when touched. Wound treatment may be very painful.
  
  
• Untreated, a puncture wound may lead to more serious problems. Foreign objects left inside the wound may cause severe swelling, infection, and toxic reactions. Infection may spread to other parts of your body and may become life-threatening. You are at a higher risk for problems if you have diabetes or a decreased ability to fight infection. Ask your caregiver for more information about the risks of your puncture wound.

When should I contact my caregiver?

Contact your caregiver 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.

When should I seek immediate care?

Seek care immediately or call 911 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.

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

Learn more about Puncture Wound