Puncture Wound

Is this your child's symptom?

• The skin is punctured by a pointed narrow object

If NOT, try one of these:

• Human or Animal Bite
• Skin Injury
• Sliver or Splinter
• Wound Infection

Causes of Puncture Wounds

• Metal: nail, sewing needle, pin, tack
• Pencil: pencil lead is actually graphite (harmless). It is not poisonous lead. Even colored leads are not toxic.
• Wood: toothpick

Complications of Puncture Wounds

• Retained Foreign Object. This happens if part of the sharp object breaks off in the skin. The pain will not go away until it is removed.
• Wound Infection. This happens in 4% of foot punctures. The main symptom is spreading redness 2 or 3 days after the injury.
• Bone Infection. If the sharp object also hits a bone, the bone can become infected. Punctures of the ball of the foot are at greatest risk. The main symptoms are increased swelling and pain 2 weeks after the injury.

When to Call for Puncture Wound

Care Advice for Puncture Wound

1. What You Should Know About Puncture Wounds:
   • Most puncture wounds do not need to be seen.
   • Here is some care advice that should help.
2. Cleaning the Wound:
   • First wash off the foot, hand or other punctured skin with soap and water.
   • Then soak the puncture wound in warm soapy water for 15 minutes.
   • For any dirt or debris, gently scrub the wound surface back and forth. Use a wash cloth to remove any dirt.
   • If the wound re-bleeds a little, that may help remove germs.
3. Antibiotic Ointment:
   • Use an antibiotic ointment (such as Polysporin). No prescription is needed.
   • Then, cover with a bandage (such as Band-Aid). This helps to reduce the risk of infection.
   • Re-wash the wound and put on antibiotic ointment every 12 hours.
   • Do this for 2 days.
4. Pain Medicine:
   • To help with the pain, give an acetaminophen product (such as Tylenol).
   • Another choice is an ibuprofen product (such as Advil).
   • Use as needed.
5. What to Expect:
   • Puncture wounds seal over in 1 to 2 hours.
   • Pain should go away within 2 days.
6. Call Your Doctor If:
   • Dirt in the wound still there after 15 minutes of scrubbing
   • Pain becomes severe
   • Looks infected (redness, red streaks, pus, fever)
   • You think your child needs to be seen
   • Your child becomes worse

And remember, contact your doctor if your child develops any of the 'Call Your Doctor' symptoms.

Disclaimer: this health information is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it.

Copyright 2000-2023. Schmitt Pediatric Guidelines LLC.

Puncture Wound - BB Gun

This photo shows a puncture wound from a BB gun in the upper arm. Note the small hole in the arm where the BB struck and entered the skin.