Puncture Wounds
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Puncture Wounds
A puncture wound refers to a powerful damage to the skin caused by a bristly and pointed object penetrating the skin deeper. When sharp objects cause puncture wounds, the risk of infection becomes high as such wounds are hard to clean. Other punctures are done for individual wellbeing purposes; such may also raise the risk of blood bone illnesses. Home treatment is what is often required to treat puncture wounds.
In case one has a puncture wound, he or she should find out if any piece of the object is still in the wound for instance a splinter. A pencil lead puncture wound is not more worrisome so it is not obligatory to check blood levels for lead or worry about poisoning. In addition, check whether the basic tissues like blood vessels, nerves, tendons, ligaments, bones, joints, or internal organs, have been hurt by that object. Ensure you clean the wound to remove dirt and prevent both tetanus and bacterial infections.
Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms and signs of puncture wounds may be identified by the following: bleeding, decreased blood flow at or near the wound, swelling or bruising next to the puncture wound and pain.
Home remedies
Minor puncture wounds do not require tetanus shot to treat or any general practitioner but can be treated effectively at home. However, make sure you do get a tetanus shot if you haven't gotten one in the last 10 years or get a booster shot if you haven't had a shot in the last 5 years.
Home remedies may prevent further infection and promote healing of the wound. Try and remove the object from the wound using a needle or a clean tweezers. This should be carefully done so as not to push the object farther into the wound.
Let the injury to bleed unreservedly for about five minutes to clean out then stop the bleeding with direct pressure to the wound. After the bleeding stops, check the symptoms to determine whether it is necessary to seek the attention of a general practitioner or not. Make sure the wound is clean to avoid any possibility of infection by washing it for 5 minutes with cool water plus soap. However, avoid rubbing alcohol, iodine or hydrogen peroxide as these may harm the tissues and slow down the healing process.
Consider applying a bandage to protect the puncture wound from dirt and irritation. Clean the wound thoroughly before applying the bandage to reduce the risk of infection occurring under the bandage. Puncture wounds less often require stitches, skin adhesives or staples.
Prevention
It is always imperative to practice safety while using sharp or blunt objects to avoid puncture wounds, paying close attention to whatever one does and in case of any distraction, set the object aside until you are able to pay attention to whatever one is doing. Besides, you ought to have the knowledge of use of the object that you are using, avoid using such objects in the dark and ensuring that you wear protective gloves, glasses or boots as appropriate. Hold a prickly item away from your body when using it and carry the object with a risky end far from you.
Switch off the power and use safety locks on the power tools while not in use; taking absolute care when using high-pressure equipment like paint sprayers. Ensure that the work area is clear of people and any other danger that may hinder the safe operation of the equipment. In addition, store hazardous objects in secure places and teach your children on safety while being a good role model. Above all, avoid alcohol and other drugs when handling sharp objects.
References