SKIN PUNCTURE WOUND |
|
General Information
DEFINITION--Wound produced by any object that penetrates the skin to the soft tissue, bones or joint below.
BODY PARTS INVOLVEDAny part of the body.
{322}
SIGNS & SYMPTOMSHole in the skin with a puckered and discolored edge. The hole may appear smaller than the object that caused it, due to partial re-expansion of the damaged tissues.
CAUSESAny foreign body that penetrates the skin and underlying tissue (cleats, javelin, splinters, glass).
RISK INCREASES WITH
Contact sports.
Athletic activities on rough terrain.
HOW TO PREVENTAvoid rough terrain for athletic activities.
WHAT TO EXPECT
APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE -- Doctor's treatment to clean the wound and sometimes to explore it surgically to determine the extent of damage.
DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES
Your own observation of symptoms.
Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
X-rays of the underlying area to rule out fractures and joint damage.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
Fluid collection under a closed penetrating wound.
Wound infection.
PROBABLE OUTCOMEWith treatment, a puncture wound usually heals without complications.
HOW TO TREAT
NOTE -- Follow your doctor's instructions. These instructions are supplemental.
FIRST AID
Remove any foreign material (splinter, glass or others) if you can.
Clean the area with warm water and soap.
CONTINUING CARE
Extensive or deep penetrating wounds may need to be enlarged and explored surgically under antiseptic conditions.
If bleeding occurs, control it by applying firm pressure to the wound with a cloth.
Use warm immersion soaks (See Glossary) to relieve pain and swelling.
Rest the injured part until it heals.
Wear a snug elastic bandage over the injured area if you can. This will decrease fluid collection under the wound and minimize further bleeding.
Get a tetanus toxoid booster.
MEDICATION
For minor discomfort, you may use non-prescription drugs such as acetaminophen.
Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to fight infection.
ACTIVITYResume normal activity slowly after clearance by your doctor.
DIETFor a serious puncture wound, eat a well-balanced diet that includes extra protein, such as meat, fish, poultry, cheese, milk and eggs.
REHABILITATIONNone.
CALL YOUR DOCTOR IF
You receive a puncture wound and have not had a tetanus booster in 10 years.
You develop signs of a wound infection (fever, headache, or increasing pain, redness and fluid with pus at the puncture site).
|
|
|
|
Dserun mollit anim id est laborum. Lorem ipsum and sunt in culpa qui officias deserunt mollit. Excepteur plus sint occaecat the best cupidatat nonr proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum. September 24, 2004
