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Cuts and puncture wounds
Alternative Names:
Wound - cut or puncture; Open wound; Laceration
First Aid:
If the wound is bleeding severely, call 911.
Minor cuts and puncture wounds can be treated at home. Take the following steps.
FOR MINOR CUTS
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Wash your hands with soap to avoid infection.
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Wash the cut thoroughly with mild soap and water.
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Use direct pressure to stop the bleeding.
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Apply an antibacterial ointment.
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If the cut is likely to get dirty or be re-opened by friction, cover it (once the bleeding has stopped) with a bandage that will not stick to the injury.
FOR MINOR PUNCTURES
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Wash your hands.
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Use a stream of water for at least five minutes to rinse the puncture wound. Wash with soap.
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Look (but DO NOT probe) for objects inside the wound. If found, DO NOT remove -- go to the emergency room. If you cannot see anything inside the wound, but a piece of the object that caused the injury is missing, also seek medical attention.
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Apply antibacterial ointment and a clean bandage.
Do Not:
Call immediately for emergency medical assistance if:
Call 911 if:
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The bleeding is severe, spurting, or cannot be stopped (for example, after 15 minutes of pressure).
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The person is seriously injured.
Call your doctor immediately if:
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The wound is large or deep, even if the bleeding is not severe.
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You think the wound might benefit from stitches (the cut is more than a quarter inch deep, on the face, or reaches bone).
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The person has been bitten by a human or animal.
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A cut or puncture is caused by a fishhook or rusty object.
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You step on a nail or other similar object
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An object or debris is embedded -- DO NOT remove yourself.
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The wound shows signs of infection (warmth and redness in the area, a painful or throbbing sensation, fever, swelling, or pus-like drainage).
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You have not had a tetanus shot within the last 10 years.
The following types of wounds are more likely to become infected: bites, punctures, crushing injuries, dirty wounds, wounds on the feet, and wounds that are not promptly treated.
If you receive a serious wound, your doctor may order laboratory tests, such as a blood test and skin culture to check for bacteria.
References:
Marx JA, Hockberger RS, Walls RM, eds.
Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice.
5th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2002.
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Review Date: 5/15/2006
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Reviewed By: Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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