How to Get Rid of Pain From a Puncture Wound
You can sustain a puncture would on virtually any part of your body. Puncture wounds do not typically bleed that much, but you should still see a doctor in case of infection. You may also need a tentanus shot if the wound is from a rusty nail. Pain from a puncture wound is often alleviated by keeping air from the wound (see Tips). Topical and oral medication can also be effective in treating your pain.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Alcohol
- Cotton
- Tweezers
- Washcloth
- Water
- Mild soap
- Antibiotic ointment
- Q-Tip
- Ibuprofen or naproxen
- Ice
- Ice pack
Instructions
-
Treating Pain From Your Puncture Wound
-
1
Apply alcohol to the end of a pair of tweezers, if you have a splinter or residue inside your wound. Use the tweezers to remove the splinter or object.
-
2
Apply pressure to the wound with cotton to stop any bleeding. If you are outside when the injury occurs, apply pressure with your hand, unless you have a splinter.
-
-
3
Wet a wash cloth with warm water. Rub a mild soap on the wash cloth. Gently clean around and on top of the wound for up to five minutes. Rinse the soap off with warm water.
-
4
Put a generous amount of antibiotic ointment on the end of a Q-Tip. Gently apply the antibiotic ointment on and around your wound. Place a bandage on top of the wound.
-
5
Place an ice pack directly against the bandage. Leave the ice pack in place for 15 or 20 minutes. Clean and redress your wound several times per day. Use the ice every three or four hours. Continue cleaning and redressing your wound daily. Repeat daily ice treatments until your wound pain subsides.
-
6
Take two ibuprofen or naproxen every four to six hours for pain. Continue taking this anti-inflammatory daily until your pain is gone.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Cleaning the wound will help prevent infection, as will the antibiotic ointment. The ointment will keep air from the wound, which can prevent pain emanating from the surface area of the puncture. Ibuprofen can help alleviate muscle pain as deep puncture wounds often penetrate muscle fibers. Using ice right away will help reduce the initial swelling and inflammation, which is usually when pain is at its worst. Ice controls pain by temporarily limiting blood flow, which can occur because of broken blood vessels from the puncture wound.
Never apply ice directly against your skin as this can cause frostbite. Also, call you doctor right away if your wound is caused by a rusty nail or dog bite. You may need professional help in treating such wounds.
