Clean any instruments you might use during treatment with rubbing alcohol. These may include tweezers. [4] X Research source [5] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
A small amount of bleeding may actually help to clean the wound. You can allow small wounds to bleed for about five minutes. [9] X Research source [10] X Research source If the bleeding continues after several minutes of pressure, or the bleeding is severe, ongoing, or alarms you, seek medical attention immediately. [11] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source [12] X Research source
The bleeding won’t stop after five to 10 minutes. The wound is a quarter of an inch (0. 65 centimeters) or more deep. Even if you can stop the bleeding, larger wounds should be treated by a professional. An object is embedded deeply into the skin. If you can’t see anything, but suspect an object remains in the wound, seek medical attention. The patient stepped on a nail, or the wound was caused by a rusty fishhook or other rusty object. A person or animal has bitten the patient. Bites are prone to infection. The affected area is numb or the patient cannot move the body part normally. The wound shows signs of infection, including redness and swelling around the affected area, increasing pain or a throbbing sensation, pus or other discharge, or the patient experiences chills or a fever (see Part 4). [13] X Research source [14] X Research source
Keep pressure on the wound and replace bandages if they become soaked with blood. [19] X Research source Calm the patient until medical assistance arrives.
All manner of foreign objects can become embedded in a puncture wound, including wood, cloth, rubber, dirt and other materials; these may be difficult or impossible to see when treating the wound at home. However, do not poke or dig around in the wound; if you believe there are still foreign objects in the wound, seek medical attention. [23] X Research source
Because minor puncture wounds do not tend to be very large in size and are not prone to excessive bleeding, you may not need a bandage. However, puncture wounds to the feet or other places that get dirty may require a bandage to prevent debris from entering the wound. Topical antibiotic ointments like Neosporin and Polysporin are effective, and don’t require a prescription. Apply every 12 hours for 2 days. [25] X Research source [26] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Use a porous adhesive dressing or bandage that won’t stick to the wound. Change daily, to ensure that the wound stays healthy and dry. [27] X Research source [28] X Research source
Keep the affected area elevated, above the heart if possible. Change the bandages if they get dirty or wet. Keep the affected area dry for 24 to 48 hours. After 24 to 48 hours, clean the wound with soap and water twice a day. You can reapply antibiotic ointment or cream, but avoid the use of rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. Avoid activities that may place a strain on the affected area and could re-open the wound. [29] X Research source
Throbbing or increasing pain in the affected area. Redness or swelling of the wound. In particular, look for red streaks around or moving away from the wound. Pus or other discharge. An unpleasant smell coming from the wound. Chills, or a fever of 100. 4°F (38°C). Swelling in the neck, armpits or groin glands. [30] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source
If more than 10 years have passed since the patient last had a tetanus shot. If the object causing the injury was dirty (or you are not sure whether or not it was dirty), or the wound is severe, and more than 5 years have passed since the patient last had a tetanus shot. The patient is not sure when the last shot was. The patient has never received a tetanus shot. [31] X Research source
