Puncture Wound

Skin Problems Slideshow

• Puncture Wound Overview
• Puncture Wound Causes
• Puncture Wound Symptoms
• When to Seek Medical Care
• Exams and Tests
• Puncture Wound Treatment
• Self-Care at Home
• Medical Treatment
• Next Steps
• Follow-up
• Prevention
• Outlook
• Synonyms and Keywords
• Authors and Editors

Puncture Wound Overview

A puncture wound is caused by an object piercing the skin and creating a small hole. Some punctures are just on the surface. Others can be very deep, depending on the source and cause.

A puncture wound does not usually result in excessive bleeding. Usually, these wounds close fairly quickly on their own. Treatment may be necessary to prevent infection. A puncture wound from a cause such as stepping on a nail can become infected because the object that caused the wound may carry bacteria or spores of tetanus into the skin and tissue.