Puncture wounds to the head, neck, chest, or abdomen

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Puncture wounds to the head, neck, chest, or abdomen

Home treatment can be used to care for a superficial puncture wound. If you have the object that caused the puncture wound, you may know the exact depth of the wound.

When there is a puncture wound in the head, neck, chest, or abdomen, the depth of the wound is very important. It may be difficult to determine the depth of the puncture wound, since you usually cannot see into these wounds.

If a puncture wound to the head, neck, chest, or abdomen has occurred, watch for signs of shock or difficulty breathing. Call 911 or other emergency services immediately if these symptoms develop.

If an object penetrates deep enough to enter the chest or abdominal cavity (the hollow space where the organs are located), there is a high risk of infection, bleeding, and organ damage. Deep puncture wounds, which may be as little as , often need medical treatment.

Any wound to the head, neck, chest, or abdomen that is more than a superficial wound needs to be evaluated by a health professional.

Credits

Last updated:	June 10, 2008
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer