Puncture wounds are small, deep holes from objects like nails, glass or teeth that can trap dirt and bacteria under the skin. Urgentology Care in Arlington and Colleyville cleans the wound, can use X-rays to check for certain objects left inside, and updates your tetanus shot when needed.
Our providers can review your symptoms, evaluate your condition, and discuss appropriate care options based on your individual needs.
Come in promptly, ideally within 24 hours, for wound assessment, cleaning and a tetanus vaccination review.
Clean the area and monitor it for increasing pain, redness, swelling or drainage. Seek medical care if symptoms develop or you suspect something remains inside.
Seek emergency care for an object embedded deeply in the body, heavy bleeding or a puncture wound to the chest, abdomen or eye. Leave deeply embedded objects in place and do not attempt to remove them yourself.
Clean, Minor Wound
A tetanus booster is generally recommended if your last dose was 10 or more years ago. Your provider will assess the wound and review your vaccination history.
Dirty or Deep Wound
For dirty or deep wounds, a booster is generally recommended if your last dose was 5 or more years ago. Puncture wounds are considered higher-risk wounds for tetanus.
Don’t Remember Your Last Shot?
Tell your provider if your vaccination history is unknown or incomplete. A tetanus vaccine may be recommended, and additional preventive treatment may be needed depending on your history and the wound.
Step 1: Wound Examination
We examine the puncture, assess its depth and location, and check for signs of infection or a possible foreign object.
Step 2: X-Ray When Needed
If glass, metal or another suitable foreign object may be inside the wound, we may use a digital X-ray to help locate it. Some materials may not show up on X-rays.
Step 3: Wound Cleaning
We clean the affected area and determine the appropriate wound care based on the injury and contamination risk.
Step 4: Tetanus Booster and Antibiotics When Needed
We review your tetanus vaccination history and provide a booster when indicated. Antibiotics may be prescribed for selected higher-risk wounds when appropriate.
A digital X-ray may help identify certain foreign objects, such as metal or glass, that remain inside a wound. Additional evaluation may be needed if an object cannot be seen on X-ray but is still suspected.
For a dirty or deep wound, a tetanus booster is generally recommended if your last dose was 5 or more years ago. If your vaccination history is unknown or incomplete, additional preventive treatment may be needed. Urgentology Care in Arlington and Colleyville can assess your wound and review your vaccination history during your visit.
Only remove a small, superficial splinter if it comes out easily. Do not pull out an object embedded deeply in the body, as doing so can worsen the injury or bleeding. Seek medical care for safe assessment and removal. Deeply embedded objects or serious injuries may require emergency care.
A nail passing through a sneaker can push bacteria and debris deep into the foot, increasing the risk of infection. Urgentology Care can assess and clean the wound and determine whether additional treatment is needed. Watch for increasing redness, swelling, drainage or pain.
Usually not. Puncture wounds are often left open to allow drainage and healing from the inside. Your Urgentology Care provider in Arlington or Colleyville will assess the wound and explain the appropriate care and follow-up instructions.
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