What is a puncture wound?
A person with a puncture wound has an opening through the skin, caused by a sharp object. The object pierces the skin and enters the tissue beneath the skin surface. Puncture wounds have a higher risk for infection than abrasions and lacerations.

What are the symptoms of a puncture wound?
Symptoms of a puncture wound include a laceration, with pain, swelling, numbness, redness, or bruising around the wound. Additional findings may include pus draining from the wound, or a wound foreign body.

How does the doctor treat a puncture wound?
Treatment for a puncture wound includes wound irrigation, wound cleansing, and exploration of the wound. Additional treatment may include removal of a wound foreign body, wound repair, antibiotics, or tetanus vaccination. A severe puncture wound may require surgery to repair damaged tissue.