Cuts and puncture wounds Health Article

Definition

A cut or laceration is an injury that results in a break or opening in the skin. It may be near the surface or deep, smooth or jagged. It may injure deep tissues, such as tendons, muscles, ligaments, nerves, blood vessels, or bone.

A puncture is a wound made by a pointed object (like a nail, knife, or sharp tooth).

Alternative Names

Wound - cut or puncture; Open wound; Laceration

Symptoms

• Bleeding
• Impaired function or feeling below the wound site
• Pain

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

1. Wash your hands with soap or antibacterial cleanser to prevent infection.
2. Wash the cut thoroughly with mild soap and water.
3. Use direct pressure to stop the bleeding.
4. Apply antibacterial ointment and a clean bandage that will not stick to the wound.

FOR MINOR PUNCTURES

1. Wash your hands with soap or antibacterial cleanser to prevent infection.
2. Use a stream of water for at least 5 minutes to rinse the puncture wound, then wash with soap.
3. Look (but do NOT probe) for objects inside the wound. If found, DO NOT remove -- go to the Emergency Department. If you cannot see anything inside the wound, but a piece of the object that caused the injury is missing, also seek medical attention.
4. Apply antibacterial ointment and a clean bandage that will not stick to the wound.

Do Not

• Do NOT assume that a minor wound is clean because you can't see dirt or debris inside. Wash it.
• Do NOT breathe on an open wound.
• Do NOT try to clean a major wound, especially after the bleeding is under control.
• Do NOT remove a long or deeply embedded object. Seek medical attention.
• Do NOT probe or pick debris from a wound. Seek medical attention.
• Do NOT push exposed body parts back in. Cover them with clean material until medical help arrives.