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

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 the 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 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 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 are in pain, you can take acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil), if there are no contraindications. Ask for advice at the pharmacy.

When to seek medical attention

If you 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;
even with medication; the pain does not decrease;
the wound swells bad or the skin around it becomes red, swollen, or hot, or pus (yellow or green liquid) appears;
you develop a fever;
the wound is not healing, even after following the recommended care.

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.

You feel 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.  

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

What it is

What you can do at home

When to seek medical attention

When to go to the hospital right away

Need help?

See also

Gastroenteritis

Superficial Wound