Contents:
Medical Video: Detroit Become Stab Wounds
1. Definition
Is that a stab wound?
The skin can be injured by being pierced by small and sharp objects. The most common puncture wounds are usually stepping on nails. The resulting wound is not wide enough but still requires stitches. Because puncture wounds are usually faster closed and there is no chance of cleaning through the discharge of blood, this type of wound often causes infection. Stab wounds in the upper eyelid, for example because of being pierced with a pencil, are very dangerous and can cause brain abscesses. Deep foot infections usually begin with swelling of the upper legs in 1 to 2 weeks after a puncture occurs. Tetanus can occur if your child has an injury when he has not been immunized.
What are the signs and symptoms?
Stab wounds can cause pain and mild bleeding in the puncture area. Bleeding is usually quite clear if someone gets a torn wound. In addition, small pieces of glass can also cause stab wounds because a person who is pierced may not see a glass piece that is too small. Infection can cause redness, swelling, suppurating wounds, or discharge from puncture wounds that are not recognized or not handled properly.
2. How to handle it
What should I do?
Soak the wound in warm water and soap for 15 minutes. Rub the wound with a cloth to remove dirt. If the wound bleeds a little, you don't need to worry because small bleeding can help get rid of germs.
Cut the skin off or peel so that it doesn't cover the wound. Use clean scissors after cleaning the wound with alcohol.
Apply antibiotic ointments and bandages to reduce the risk of infection. Repeat the wound cleaning process and reapply the antibiotic ointment every 12 hours.
Take acetaminophen or ibuprofen to relieve pain.
When do I have to see a doctor?
Contact your doctor immediately if:
- Stab wounds are caused by dirty objects
- The skin is dirty when the victim is stabbed
- After the wound is cleaned, you can still see dirt or small particles inside the wound
- The tip of the object is broken and has the potential to enter the wound
- Pricking occurs in the head, chest, stomach or joint
- The victim never received the tetanus vaccine
Even if it's not as severe as the symptoms above, you still need to see a doctor if:
- The victim has not received tetanus injections for more than 5 years
- The wound appears to be infected
- Pain, redness, or swelling increases after 48 hours
3. Prevention
Keep knives, scissors, firearms, and fragile items out of the reach of children. When children are old enough, teach them how to use knives and scissors safely.
Make sure you and your child are regularly immunized. Tetanus immunization is generally recommended every 10 years.
