What’s the best first aid for a puncture wound?

Puncture woundStep on a nail and your scream will let the whole world know. And the whole world will tell you to get that looked at immediately. Puncture wounds to your feet need prompt care to avoid complications. If the object you stepped on is small, like a needle or a splinter, carefully remove it and apply gentle pressure to your foot to stop any bleeding. If debris is left in the wound, you may need professional help to remove all the pieces. Use soap and water to clean the puncture and minimize your infection risk. Apply an over-the-counter antibiotic and a clean bandage to protect the hole. You may need to pad the area around the wound to protect it from pressure, too.

Make sure you change the bandage regularly and check the wound for signs of infection. If you see anything suspicious, get it checked right away. You should also get immediate care if you notice rust on whatever you stepped on. Puncture wounds can easily result in tetanus, and that doesn’t depend on how small they are. Our team at Podiatry Associates, P.C. is here to help you with any type of wound healing. Make an appointment at our Castle Pines, Cherry Creek, or Parker, CO offices by calling (303) 805-5156 or using our online forms.