Cuts and puncture wounds

Injuries caused by sharp objects that damage the skin and result in the exposure of underlying soft tissues are known as cuts and puncture wounds. The risk is high in children, elderly population and those who suffer from balance disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, cerebral palsy, ataxia, etc. Also, diabetics and immunocompromised patients need to be extra careful of cuts and wounds as they have higher risk of contracting an infection due to such wounds.

Cuts and puncture wounds are often accompanied by bleeding, pain, swelling, fever and infection. Minor cuts can be treated with simple home remedies, but a puncture wound, as it is deep, must always be treated by a doctor. If left untreated, it can lead to severe wounds or infection. If the cut is deep, it can even lead to chronic blood loss.

Whenever an injury occurs, ensuring basic first aid for cuts and puncture wounds is essential. If these wounds cannot be managed by first-aid alone, you must seek medical care. This involves use of painkillers, antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medicines along with surgical debridement and suturing of the wounds, in some cases.