First Aid & Emergencies

Puncture Wound Treatment

Call or see a health care provider immediately if:

• The object that caused the puncture wound cannot be easily removed
• The puncture wound was to the chest, abdomen, or neck but there are no emergency symptoms
• The wound is visibly dirty
• The wound is an animal or human bite
• The wound occurred through the bottom of a shoe -- stepping on a nail, for example

1. Remove the Object if You Can

• If the object that caused the puncture is small and you can easily remove it, do so.

2. Stop the Bleeding

• Apply firm, direct pressure with sterile gauze or clean cloth until bleeding stops.

3. Clean and Protect the Wound

• Rinse the wound under clean water for several minutes. Then wash the area with mild soap and water and rinse again.

• Apply an antibiotic cream.

• Use a sterile bandage to protect the puncture wound from dirt or further injury.

4. Treat Pain

• For pain, give ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol).

5. Follow-up

• See a healthcare provider for any signs of infection: redness, increasing pain, swelling, or pus at the site.

• Ask the health care provider if a tetanus shot is needed.

• Some wounds may need antibiotics. Ask the health care provider.