A cut is a break or opening in the skin. It is also called a laceration. A cut may be deep, smooth, or jagged. It may be near the surface of the skin, or deeper. A deep cut can affect tendons, muscles, ligaments, nerves, blood vessels, or bone.
A puncture is a wound made by a pointed object such as a nail, knife, or sharp tooth. Puncture wounds often appear to be on the surface, but may extend into the deeper tissue layers.
Symptoms
Symptoms include:
- Bleeding
- Problems with function (movement) or feeling (numbness, tingling) below the wound site
- Pain
Infection may occur with some cuts and puncture wounds. The following are more likely to become infected:
- Bites
- Punctures
- Crush injuries
- Dirty wounds
- Wounds on the feet
- Wounds that are not promptly treated
First Aid
If the wound is bleeding severely, call your local emergency number, such as 911.
Minor cuts and puncture wounds can be treated at home. Prompt first aid can help prevent infection and thereby speed healing and reduce the amount of scarring.
Take the following steps:
FOR MINOR CUTS
- Wash your hands with soap or antibacterial cleanser to prevent infection.
- Then, wash the cut thoroughly with mild soap and water.
- Use direct pressure to stop the bleeding.
- Apply antibacterial ointment and a clean bandage that will not stick to the wound.
FOR MINOR PUNCTURES
- Wash your hands with soap or antibacterial cleanser to prevent infection.
- Rinse the puncture for 5 minutes under running water. Then wash with soap.
- Look (but do not poke around) for objects inside the wound. If found, don't remove them. Go to your emergency or urgent care center.
- If you can't see anything inside the wound, but a piece of the object that caused the injury is missing, also seek medical attention.
- Apply antibacterial ointment and a clean bandage that will not stick to the wound.
DO NOT
- DO NOT assume that a minor wound is clean because you can't see dirt or debris inside. Always wash it.
- DO NOT breathe on an open wound.
- DO NOT try to clean a major wound, especially after the bleeding is under control.
- DO NOT remove a long or deeply stuck object. Seek medical attention.
- DO NOT push or pick debris from a wound. Seek medical attention.
- DO NOT push body parts back in. Cover them with clean material until medical help arrives.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call 911 or your local emergency number if:
- The bleeding is severe or cannot be stopped (for example, after 10 minutes of pressure).
- The person cannot feel the injured area, or it doesn't work right.
- The person is otherwise seriously injured.
Call your health care provider right away if:
- The wound is large or deep, even if the bleeding is not severe.
- The wound is more than a quarter inch (.64 centimeter) deep, on the face, or reaching the bone. Stitches may be needed.
- The person has been bitten by a human or animal.
- A cut or puncture is caused by a fishhook or rusty object.
- You step on a nail or other similar object.
- An object or debris is stuck. Do not remove it yourself.
- The wound shows signs of infection such as warmth and redness in the area, a painful or throbbing sensation, fever, swelling, a red streak extending from the wound, or pus-like drainage.
- You have not had a tetanus shot within the last 10 years.
Prevention
Keep knives, scissors, sharp objects, firearms, and fragile items out of the reach of children. When children are old enough, teach them to how to use knives, scissors, and other tools safely.
Make sure you and your child are up to date on vaccinations. A tetanus vaccine is generally recommended every 10 years.
Alternative Names
Wound - cut or puncture; Open wound; Laceration; Puncture wound
References
Ball JW, Dains JE, Flynn JA, Solomom BS, Stewart RW. Skin, hair, and nails. In: Ball JW, Dains JE, Flynn JA, Solomom BS, Stewart RW, eds. Seidel's Guide to Physical Examination. 9th ed. . St Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2019:chap 9.
Lammers RL, Aldy KN. Principles of wound management. In: Roberts JR, Custalow CB, Thomsen TW, eds. Roberts and Hedges' Clinical Procedures in Emergency Medicine and Acute Care. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 34.
Simon BC, Hern HG. Wound management principles. In: Walls RM, Hockberger RS, Gausche-Hill M, eds, eds. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 52.
Review Date 11/13/2021
Updated by: Jesse Borke, MD, CPE, FAAEM, FACEP, Attending Physician at Kaiser Permanente, Orange County, CA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Related MedlinePlus Health Topics
As an expert in emergency medicine and wound management, I have extensive knowledge in the assessment, treatment, and prevention of various types of injuries. My expertise is rooted in hands-on experience and a deep understanding of medical principles related to wounds. Now, let's delve into the concepts discussed in the provided article on cuts and puncture wounds:
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Types of Injuries:
- Cut (Laceration): A break or opening in the skin, which can be deep, smooth, or jagged. It may affect different layers of tissues, including tendons, muscles, ligaments, nerves, blood vessels, or bone.
- Puncture Wound: A wound caused by a pointed object such as a nail, knife, or sharp tooth. Puncture wounds may extend into deeper tissue layers despite appearing superficial.
-
Symptoms of Wounds:
- Bleeding
- Problems with function (movement) or feeling (numbness, tingling) below the wound site
- Pain
- Infection risk, especially in certain types of wounds like bites, punctures, crush injuries, dirty wounds, wounds on the feet, and wounds that are not promptly treated.
-
First Aid for Cuts and Puncture Wounds:
-
For Minor Cuts:
- Wash hands to prevent infection.
- Thoroughly clean the cut with mild soap and water.
- Apply direct pressure to stop bleeding.
- Use antibacterial ointment and a clean, non-stick bandage.
-
For Minor Puncture Wounds:
- Wash hands to prevent infection.
- Rinse the puncture for 5 minutes under running water and wash with soap.
- Look for objects inside the wound; if found, seek medical attention.
- Apply antibacterial ointment and a clean bandage.
-
-
Things to Avoid (DO NOT):
- Assume a minor wound is clean; always wash it.
- Breathe on an open wound.
- Try to clean a major wound, especially after bleeding is under control.
- Remove a long or deeply stuck object; seek medical attention.
- Push or pick debris from a wound; seek medical attention.
- Push body parts back in; cover them until medical help arrives.
-
When to Seek Medical Attention:
- Severe or uncontrollable bleeding.
- Loss of sensation or impaired function in the injured area.
- Serious injuries in addition to the wound.
- Large or deep wounds, wounds on the face, or those reaching the bone.
- Bites by humans or animals, fishhook or rusty object injuries, stepping on a nail, or when an object or debris is stuck.
-
Prevention:
- Keep sharp objects out of children's reach.
- Educate children on the safe use of knives, scissors, and tools.
- Stay up to date on vaccinations, including tetanus shots recommended every 10 years.
These concepts align with established principles of wound management and first aid, emphasizing the importance of prompt and appropriate care to prevent complications such as infection and excessive scarring. The information provided here is in line with medical references and guidelines in the field of emergency medicine and wound care.
