Small injury from a pointed object - Adults

Puncture Injury / Puncture Wound

What it is

A puncture wound is a small hole in the skin caused by a sharp object entering the skin, such as a needle, nail, thorn, or piece of glass.

What to do

Wash your hands with soap before and after touching the wound.
If the wound is small, gently apply pressure around it to allow a small amount of blood to come out.
To reduce pain, take acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil). When in doubt, ask a pharmacist for advice.

Important: Ibuprofen is contraindicated for children under 6 months of age. 

If nothing is stuck in the wound

If an object is stuck in the wound

Try to remove the object using tweezers or a needle cleaned with rubbing alcohol.
Wash the wound with tap water and mild soap for a few minutes, then rinse.
Cover the wound with a bandage.
Change the bandage once a day, or sooner if it becomes wet or dirty.

If the wound is bleeding

The person was injured by a rusty object.
An object cannot be removed from the wound.
The wound continues to bleed despite pressure being applied.
Pain does not improve despite medication.
The wound has a bad smell, or the skin around the wound is red, swollen, warm, or draining pus (yellow-green fluid).
The person develops a fever.
The wound is not healing despite following the recommended care.

It is important to ensure that the injured person's tetanus vaccination is up to date.

Blood is spurting from the wound.

The injured finger, hand, or body part can no longer move.

Numbness, weakness, or loss of sensation develops near the wound.

The injury was caused by a high-pressure injection device (e.g., paint gun, air gun, nail gun).

Call Info-Santé at 811, Option 1, to speak with a nurse at any time. 

If you have a wound, consult the nearest CLSC.

Go to the pharmacy for advice on medications or treatment. 

Make an appointment at your medical clinic. 

If you do not have a family doctor, go to https://gap.soinsvirtuels.gouv.qc.ca/en or call 811, Option 3.  