Puncture wound, toe

Feet | General Practice | Puncture wound, toe (Disease)


Description

Puncture wounds are not the same as cuts. A puncture wound has a small entry hole caused by a pointed object, such as a nail that you’ve stepped on. In contrast, a cut is an open wound that produces a long tear in the skin.

Causes and Risk factors

Common causes of puncture wounds are wood splinters, pins, nails, and glass. Puncture wounds may also be caused by objects such as scissors and knives. Almost any sharp object can potentially cause a puncture wound

Diagnosis and Treatment

Puncture wounds require different treatment from cuts because these small holes in the skin can disguise serious injury. Puncture wounds are common in the foot, especially in warm weather when people go barefoot. But even though they occur frequently, puncture wounds of the foot are often inadequately treated.

If not properly treated, infection or other complications can develop. Proper treatment within the first 24 hours is especially important with puncture wounds because they carry the danger of embedding the piercing object (foreign body) under the skin.

Research shows that complications can be prevented if the patient seeks professional treatment right away. A puncture wound must be cleaned properly and monitored throughout the healing process to avoid complications.

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