Did you know that puncture wounds make up 5% of the causes of emergency hospitalization for children? They occur when a thin, pointed object, such as a nail, thumbtack, splinter, or other sharp foreign body, pierces the skin. These lesions are very small in width, but can be quite deep if the object is pushed into the skin with considerable force. In mild cases, they can be treated safely at home without any need to go to the emergency room, while in severe cases it is necessary to seek medical attention immediately. Read on to learn how to evaluate and treat puncture wounds, whether they are dangerous or minor.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Assess the Injury
Step 1. Treat her immediately
If the injury is treated quickly, it typically does not get worse. However, if neglected, it can become infected and endanger the patient's health.
Step 2. Reassure the patient
It is especially important in the case of children and people who do not know how to manage pain very well. Have him sit or lie down and help him stay calm as you heal the wound.
Step 3. Wash your hands with soap or an antibacterial solution
This will prevent any infections.
Clean all the tools you need during the treatment with denatured alcohol, including tweezers
Step 4. Clean the wound with warm soapy water
Wash it under hot water for 5-15 minutes, then wipe it off with soap and a clean cloth.
Step 5. Stop the bleeding
Less severe puncture wounds usually do not bleed profusely. Use a clean cloth to apply direct, gentle pressure to the wound until the bleeding stops.
- A small spill of blood can actually help clean the wound. If it is small, let it bleed for about 5 minutes.
- If bleeding continues despite compression, is severe or alarming, see your doctor right away.
Step 6. Assess the wound
Observe the size and depth and check for any foreign bodies inside. Larger puncture wounds can involve sutures. If you notice any of the following signs, call or go to the emergency room immediately:
- The bleeding does not stop after 5-10 minutes.
- The wound is more than half a centimeter deep. Even if you can stop the bleeding, larger wounds should be treated by a healthcare professional.
- An object has penetrated deep into the skin. If you can't see anything but suspect a foreign body has been trapped in the wound, see your doctor.
- The patient stepped on a nail or the injury was caused by a hook or other rusty object.
- A person or animal has bitten the patient: wounds caused by the bites tend to become infected.
- The affected area is numb or the patient cannot normally move the part of the body where it is located.
- The patient has signs of infection, including redness and swelling around the injured area, increased pain or throbbing pain, presence of pus or other discharge, or chills and fever (see Part 4).
Part 2 of 4: Treating the Most Serious Pointe Injuries
Step 1. Seek medical help immediately
Call emergency services or your doctor. More severe puncture wounds should only be treated by healthcare professionals.
Step 2. Compress the wound
If the bleeding is severe and you can't get a clean cloth or bandage, use your hand.
Step 3. Lift the affected body part
If possible, raise the affected area above the height of the heart. This way you will keep the bleeding at bay.
Step 4. Do not remove trapped foreign bodies
Rather, apply a thick layer of bandages or a clean cloth around the object stuck in the skin making sure it is not subjected to pressure and strain.
Step 5. Keep the injured person at rest
To slow the bleeding, it is necessary for the injured person to remain completely motionless for at least 10 minutes.
Step 6. Check the patient
While you wait for help to arrive, monitor the patient's wound and condition.
- Continue to compress the lesion and replace the bandages if they become soaked in blood.
- Calm the patient until medical assistance arrives.
Part 3 of 4: Treating Less Severe Pointe Injuries
Step 1. Remove foreign bodies if they are not large
You can remove splinters and other sharp objects with a disinfected pair of tweezers. If there is a large object or object stuck deep in the flesh, consult your doctor.
Step 2. Remove dirt and other small debris from the wound surface
Wipe the wound with a clean cloth and / or remove the particles with a disinfected pair of tweezers.
A foreign body of any kind can get stuck in a puncture wound, such as a piece of wood, cloth, rubber, dirt, and other material. It is often difficult or even impossible to spot when self-medicating. However, avoid teasing and digging into the wound. If you think there is still something inside, see your doctor
Step 3. Treat and bandage the wound
If the sting is free of debris and sharp objects, apply an antibacterial ointment or cream and cover it with a bandage.
- Since minor puncture wounds are not very large in size and do not tend to bleed excessively, a bandage is not always necessary. However, if they are located on the feet or in other places that tend to get dirty, it is preferable to band them to prevent debris from getting inside.
- Topical antibiotic ointments, such as neosporin or polysporin, are effective and do not require a doctor's prescription. Apply it every 12 hours, for 2 days.
- Use a porous or non-sticking adhesive bandage. Change it every day to keep the wound dry.
Part 4 of 4: Recovering from a Stinging Injury
Step 1. Take care of the injured area
The following steps are recommended for the first 48-72 hours after treating a small puncture wound:
- Keep the affected area elevated, possibly above the height of the heart.
- Change the bandages if they get dirty or wet.
- Keep the affected area dry for 24 to 48 hours.
- After 24-48 hours, clean the wound with soap and water, twice a day. You can reapply the antibiotic ointment or cream, but avoid denatured alcohol and hydrogen peroxide.
- Avoid activities that can stress the injury and cause it to reopen.
Step 2. Check for any signs of infection
Small puncture wounds should heal in less than two weeks. If you notice any of the following symptoms, call your doctor right away:
- Increased pain or throbbing pain in the affected area
- Redness or swelling of the wound: mainly identifies the possible presence of reddish streaks surrounding or radiating from the wound;
- Pus or other secretions
- Unpleasant odor coming from the wound;
- Chills or fever of 38 ° C;
- Swelling of the neck, armpits or inguinal lymph nodes.
Step 3. Get a tetanus shot if needed
If the wound has come into contact with earth, manure or dirt, there is a risk of tetanus infection. Use the following guidelines to determine if the patient needs a tetanus injection (and consult their doctor for advice):
- If it has been more than 10 years since the last tetanus injection;
- If the object that caused the injury was dirty (or you are not sure it was) or if the injury is serious and it has been more than 5 years since the last tetanus injection;
- The patient does not remember how much time has passed since the last tetanus vaccination;
- The patient was never vaccinated against tetanus.
Advice
- Small puncture wounds are usually not very serious and do not require medical attention.
- If necessary, a clean sanitary napkin is a great tool to use to stop bleeding.
