Cuts and Puncture Wounds
Alternate Names : Laceration, Open Wound, Wound - Cut or Puncture
 See all Pictures & Images
Call Immediately for Emergency Medical Assistance if
Call your local emergency number (such as 911) if:
- The bleeding is severe, spurting, or cannot be stopped (for example, after 15 minutes of pressure).
- The person is seriously injured.
- There is an exposed body part.
Call your doctor immediately if: - The wound is large or deep, even if the bleeding is not severe.
- You think the wound might benefit from stitches (the cut is more than a quarter inch deep, on the face, or reaches bone).
- The person has been bitten by a human or animal.
- A cut or puncture is caused by a fishhook or rusty object.
- An object or debris is embedded -- DO NOT remove yourself.
- The wound shows signs of infection (warmth and redness in the area, a painful or throbbing sensation, fever, swelling, or pus-like drainage).
- You have not had a tetanus shot within the last 10 years.
The following types of wounds are more likely to become infected: bites, punctures, crushing injuries, dirty wounds, wounds on the feet, and wounds that are not promptly treated. If you receive a serious wound, your doctor may order laboratory tests, such as a blood test and skin culture to check for bacteria. |
