# Puncture Wounds

#### <span style="color: rgb(224, 62, 45);">**What is it?**</span>

##### <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">A wound made by a pointed object such as a nail. knife, or sharp tooth.</span>

#### <span style="color: rgb(224, 62, 45);">**Plan of Action:**</span>

##### **1. Wash your hands.** This helps prevent infection.

##### **2. Stop the bleeding.** Apply gentle pressure with a clean bandage or cloth.

##### **3. Clean the wound.** Rinse the wound with clear water for 5 to 10 minutes. If dirt or debris remains in the wound, use a washcloth to gently scrub it off. See a doctor if you can't remove all of the dirt or debris.

##### **4. Apply an antibiotic.** Apply a thin layer of an antibiotic cream or ointment (Neosporin, Polysporin). For the first two days, rewash the area and reapply the antibiotic when you change the dressing.

##### **5. Cover the wound.** Bandages help keep the wound clean.

##### **6. Change the dressing.** Do this daily or whenever the bandage becomes wet or dirty.

##### **7. Watch for signs of infection.** See a doctor if the wound isn't healing or you notice any increasing pain, pus, swelling or fever. On light skin, spreading redness is a sign of infection. On dark skin, redness may not be apparent, or the infection's streaks may look purplish-gray or darker than your normal skin.

#### **<span style="color: rgb(224, 62, 45);">Seek prompt medical care:</span>**

- ##### Keeps bleeding after a few minutes of direct pressure
- ##### Is the result of an animal or human bite
- ##### Is deep and dirty
- ##### Is caused by a metal object
- ##### Is deep and to the head, neck, scrotum, chest, or abdomen
- ##### Is over a joint and could be deep

##### If the injured person hasn't had a tetanus shot in the past five years and the wound is deep or dirty, your doctor may recommend a booster. The injured person should have the booster shot within 48 hours of the injury.

##### If the wound was caused by a cat or a dog, try to confirm that its rabies vaccination is up to date. If it was caused by a wild animal, seek advice from your doctor about which animals are most likely to carry rabies.