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Puncture Wound

Cleansing:
- Wash with soap and warm water for 15 minutes.
- For any dirt or debris, scrub the wound surface back and forth with a wash cloth to remove it.
- If the wound re-bleeds a little, that may help remove germs.
Trimming: Cut off any flaps of loose skin that seal the wound and interfere with drainage or removing debris. Use fine scissors, after cleaning them with rubbing alcohol.
Antibiotic Ointment:
- Apply an antibiotic ointment and a Band-Aid to reduce the risk of infection.
- Re-soak the area and re-apply an antibiotic ointment every 12 hours for 2 days.
Pain Medicine:
- Give acetaminophen or ibuprofen as needed for pain.
- See dosage chart.
- Ask your pharmacist to recommend a pediatric brand containing either of these ingredients.
Expected Course: Puncture wounds seal over in 1 to 2 hours. Pain should resolve within 2 days.
IF your child becomes worse: Review Should I Call? recommendations.