Puncture Wound |
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DESCRIPTION
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Puncture wounds are perforations made by sharp, pointed objects. The object may carry dirt and germs deep into the tissues. This kind of wound usually takes from 2 days to 2 weeks to heal, depending on its depth. Most of the time these wounds are not stitched closed because of the danger of infection.
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CAUSES
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Nails, needles, teeth, ice picks, bullets--any sharp, pointed object can cause a puncture.
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SYMPTOMS
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Puncture wounds are accompanied by pain, bruising, bleeding, and swelling. Bleeding is beneficial because it helps carry dirt out of the wound. However, some puncture wounds may cause very little bleeding.
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CARE
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Because puncture wounds are especially prone to infection, it is extremely important to clean the wound well and to keep it clean by soaking it several times a day. Your doctor may give you a tetanus shot if you have not had one in the past 5 to 10 years. If you think there might still be something in the wound, you will probably need an x-ray.
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