PUNCTURE WOUND

Symptoms | When to call | Homecare Advice

HOME CARE ADVICE FOR PUNCTURE WOUND

1. Cleansing:  Wash with soap and warm water for 15 minutes.  For any dirt or debris, scrub the wound surface back and forth with a wash cloth to remove it. If the wound re-bleeds a little, that may help remove germs.
2. Trimming:  Cut off any flaps of loose skin that seal the wound and interfere with drainage or removing debris. Use a fine scissors, after cleaning them with rubbing alcohol.
3. Antibiotic Ointment:  Apply an antibiotic ointment and a Band-Aid to reduce the risk of infection.  Re-soak the area and re-apply an antibiotic ointment every 12 hours for 2 days.
4. Pain Medicine:  Give acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol) or ibuprofen for any pain.
5. Expected Course:  Puncture wounds seal over in 1 to 2 hours.  Pain should resolve within 2 days.
6. Call Your Doctor If:
   • Dirt in the wound persists after 15 minutes of scrubbing.
   • Pain becomes severe.
   • It begins to look infected (redness, red streaks, tenderness, pus, fever).
   • Your child becomes worse or develops any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.

Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

Pediatric SelfCareNavigator. Copyright © 2000-2004 Barton Schmitt, M.D. FAAP

Reviewed 8/2004

Revised 7/2002

See Other Topics:

• Animal or Human Bite
• Skin Injury (Cuts, Scrapes, Bruises)
• Wound Infection

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