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Small injury from a pointed object (puncture wound) - Infants

Infants (Ages 0–2)Children (Ages 3–17)Adults (Ages 10–74)Seniors (Ages 75 and Older)

What it is

A puncture wound is a small hole in the skin made by a pointed object (such as a needle, a nail, a thorn, or a piece of glass).

What you can do at home

What to do
  • Before touching the wound, wash your hands with soap and water. 
  • If the wound is small, squeeze a bit of blood from it, without pressing too hard. 
  • If you do not see anything lodged in your child’s wound: 
    • Wash the wound with tap water and mild soap for a few minutes, then rinse it well; 
    • Apply a bandage to the wound. If the wound is bleeding, press on the bandage for 15 minutes. Check the bandage once a day and change when it gets dirty or damp. 
  • If you do see something lodged in your child’s 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 it well; 
    • Apply a bandage to the wound. If the wound is bleeding, press on the bandage for 15 minutes. Check the bandage once a day and change when it gets dirty or damp. 
  • If your child is in pain, follow your pharmacy’s advice. You can give them acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) or ibuprofen (such as Advil) if there are no contraindications. Note: Ibuprofen should not be given to children under 6 months of age.  

When to seek medical attention

If your child have any of these signs:
  • if the wound was caused by a high-pressure device (such as a paint gun, air gun, or nail gun); 
  • the object was rusty; 
  • the object is deep in the wound and you cannot remove it; 
  • it continues to bleed, even when applying pressure; 
  • the skin around the wound becomes red, swollen, or hot, or pus (yellow or green liquid) appears;  
  • your child has a fever; 
  • the wound is not healing, even after following advice.  

Call 811, Option 1, to speak with a nurse, or contact a healthcare professional (pharmacist, doctor, or nurse practitioner), if any of the signs listed above apply.

When to go to the hospital right away

The wound is bleeding profusely.
The injured body part no longer moves.
Your child complains of numbness, weakness, or a loss of feeling around the wound.

Need help?

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.  

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