Puncture Wounds: Check Your Symptoms

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Check Your Symptoms

If you answer yes to any of the following questions, click on the "Yes" in front of the question for information about how soon to see a health professional.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

If you any of the have the following symptoms, evaluate those symptoms first.

A cut that may need stitches, staples, or skin adhesives: Go to the topic Cuts.
Puncture wound caused by a bite: Go to the topic Animal and Human Bites.

Note:

If bleeding is the main symptom, see how to stop bleeding .

Yes: Do you have a puncture wound in your head, neck, chest, or belly?
Yes: Do you have a puncture wound that is bleeding ?
Yes: Are you unable to remove an object from the wound?
Yes: Do you have signs of decreased blood flow at or near a puncture wound?
Yes: Do you have any loss of function at or near the puncture wound?
Yes: Do you have a puncture wound in your foot?
Yes: Do you think you have an infection?
Yes: Do you have swelling and bruising at or near a puncture wound?
Yes: Are you unable to adequately clean a puncture wound using home treatment?
Yes: Are you worried about getting an infection after being stuck with a used needle?
Yes: Do you know or think you need a tetanus shot?

If a visit to a health professional is not needed immediately, see the Home Treatment section for self-care information.

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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

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