A puncture wound, this kind of as from stepping on a nail, will not commonly cause substantially bleeding. But these wounds are typically deep and can be unsafe since of the danger of an infection.

To consider care of a puncture wound:

  1. Wash your arms. This aids reduce an infection.
  2. Halt the bleeding. Implement light pressure with a cleanse bandage or fabric.
  3. Clear the wound. Rinse the wound with very clear h2o for five to 10 minutes. If dust or particles stays in the wound, use a washcloth to carefully scrub it off. See a doctor if you are unable to clear away all of the dust or particles.

  4. Implement an antibiotic. Implement a skinny layer of an antibiotic product or ointment (Neosporin, Polysporin). For the first two times, rewash the location and reapply the antibiotic when you improve the dressing.

    Specified substances in some ointments can cause a mild rash in some individuals. If a rash appears, end working with the merchandise and search for health care care.

  5. Cover the wound. Bandages assist continue to keep the wound cleanse.
  6. Adjust the dressing. Do this everyday or whenever the bandage gets wet or dirty.
  7. Look at for signs of an infection. See a doctor if the wound isn’t healing or you recognize any escalating discomfort, pus, swelling or fever. On light pores and skin, spreading redness is a indication of an infection. On dark pores and skin, redness could not be clear, or the infection’s streaks could search purplish-gray or darker than your typical pores and skin.

Seek prompt health care care

Get fast health care assist if the wound:

  • Keeps bleeding right after a handful of minutes of immediate pressure
  • Is the consequence of an animal or human bite
  • Is deep and dirty
  • Is brought about by a metal item
  • Is deep and to the head, neck, scrotum, chest or abdomen
  • Is above a joint and could be deep

If the injured particular person hasn’t experienced a tetanus shot in the past five years and the wound is deep or dirty, your doctor could recommend a booster. The injured particular person really should have the booster shot inside forty eight hrs of the damage.

If the wound was brought about by a cat or a doggy, try out to confirm that its rabies vaccination is up to day. If it was brought about by a wild animal, search for suggestions from your doctor about which animals are most possible to carry rabies.