Community Health Network

Puncture Wound
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Symptom
Description

Should I
Call?

Care at
Home

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X-Ray - BB in Left Upper Arm

Puncture Wound - BB Gun

First Aid - Removing a Splinter

Puncture Wound - With a Foreign Body

Definition

The skin is punctured by a narrow, pointed object

Causes

Commonly caused by a nail, sewing needle, pencil, toothpick
Pencil lead is actually graphite (harmless), not poisonous lead. Even colored leads are not toxic.

If not, see these topics

Animal caused it, see ANIMAL OR HUMAN BITE
Looks infected, see WOUND INFECTION
Skin is cut or scraped (not punctured), see SKIN INJURY
Foreign body (e.g., sliver) remains in the skin, see SKIN FOREIGN BODY

Should I
Call?

Care at
Home

When to Call Your Doctor

	Call 911 Now (your child may need an ambulance) If
	Puncture on the head, neck, chest or abdomen that may go deep
	Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If
	You think your child has a serious injury Puncture on the head, neck, chest, abdomen that isn't deep Puncture overlying a joint Tip of the object is broken off and missing Feels like something still in the wound Won't stand (bear weight or walk) on punctured foot Needle stick from used or discarded injection needle Sharp object or setting was very dirty (e.g., a barnyard) No previous tetanus shots Dirt (debris) or pencil lead pigment is not gone after 15 minutes of scrubbing Severe pain Wound looks infected (redness, red streaks, swollen, tenderness) Fever occurs
	Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9 am and 4 pm) If
	You think your child needs to be seen Last tetanus shot over 5 years ago
	Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If
	You have other questions or concerns
	Parent Care at Home If
	Minor puncture wound and you don't think your child needs to be seen

Symptom
Description

Care at
Home

HOME CARE ADVICE FOR PUNCTURE WOUND

Cleansing:
- Wash the wound 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.
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.
Antibiotic Ointment: Apply an antibiotic ointment and a Band-Aid to reduce the risk of infection. Re-wash the area and re-apply an antibiotic ointment every 12 hours for 2 days.
Pain Medicine: Give acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) or ibuprofen for any pain.
Expected Course: Puncture wounds seal over in 1 to 2 hours. Pain should resolve within 2 days.
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

And remember, contact your doctor if your child develops any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.

Symptom
Description

Should I
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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.

Author and Senior Reviewer: Barton D. Schmitt, M.D.

Last Reviewed: 1/19/2009

Last Revised: 6/24/2008

Content Set: Pediatric HouseCalls Online