PUNCTURE WOUND

Symptoms | When to call | Homecare Advice

Injury Definition

• The skin is punctured by a narrow, sharp object (e.g., a nail, pencil, toothpick).
• Pencil lead is actually graphite (harmless), not poisonous lead.  Even colored leads are not toxic.  They will cause a tattoo, however, and should be scrubbed out.

See More Appropriate Topic (instead of this one) If

• Animal caused it, see ANIMAL OR HUMAN BITE.
• Looks infected, see WOUND INFECTION.
• Skin is cut or scraped (not punctured), see SKIN INJURY.

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

View Anatomic Index of Topics