A puncture wound, this kind of as from stepping on a nail, does not typically result in a lot bleeding. But these wounds are generally deep and can be dangerous simply because of the danger of infection.

To just take care of a puncture wound:

  1. Clean your hands. This will help reduce an infection.
  2. End the bleeding. Apply light force with a clean up bandage or cloth.
  3. Clear the wound. Rinse the wound with apparent water for 5 to 10 minutes. If dirt or particles remains in the wound, use a washcloth to carefully scrub it off. See a medical professional if you cannot take out all of the dust or particles.

  4. Use an antibiotic. Implement a thin layer of an antibiotic product or ointment (Neosporin, Polysporin). For the 1st two times, rewash the region and reapply the antibiotic when you improve the dressing.

    Specified elements in some ointments can result in a moderate rash in some folks. If a rash appears, stop using the product or service and seek out professional medical care.

  5. Go over the wound. Bandages support retain the wound thoroughly clean.
  6. Transform the dressing. Do this each day or whenever the bandage results in being damp or soiled.
  7. View for symptoms of an infection. See a health care provider if the wound isn’t really therapeutic or you discover any rising soreness, pus, swelling or fever. On light skin, spreading redness is a signal of an infection. On darkish pores and skin, redness may not be obvious, or the infection’s streaks may possibly appear purplish-grey or darker than your ordinary skin.

Look for prompt clinical treatment

Get fast health care enable if the wound:

  • Retains bleeding right after a couple of minutes of direct pressure
  • Is the outcome of an animal or human chunk
  • Is deep and dirty
  • Is induced by a metal item
  • Is deep and to the head, neck, scrotum, upper body or stomach
  • Is more than a joint and could be deep

If the hurt man or woman hasn’t had a tetanus shot in the earlier 5 many years and the wound is deep or soiled, your medical doctor may perhaps suggest a booster. The wounded human being must have the booster shot within 48 hours of the injuries.

If the wound was prompted by a cat or a dog, consider to affirm that its rabies vaccination is up to date. If it was prompted by a wild animal, seek out guidance from your medical professional about which animals are most probable to carry rabies.