Minor puncture wounds can be treated effectively at home. If you do not have an increased high risk for infection, do not have other injuries, and do not need treatment by a health professional or a tetanus shot, you can treat a puncture wound at home. Home treatment can prevent infection and promote healing.

Remove object
Make sure the object causing the wound is not still in the wound. Check to see if the object is intact and a piece has not broken off in the wound.
Try to remove the object that caused the wound if it is small and can be seen. If you have a splinter, try using cellophane tape before using clean tweezers or a needle. Simply put the tape over the splinter, then pull the tape off. The splinter usually sticks to the tape and is removed painlessly and easily. Be careful, and do not push the object farther into the wound. For splinter removal, see removing splinters. Do not wet the splinter.

Stop the bleeding
Allow the wound to bleed freely for up to 5 minutes to clean itself out, unless there has been a lot of blood loss or blood is squirting out of the wound.
Stop the bleeding with direct pressure to the wound. For more information, see how to stop bleeding.
Mild bleeding can almost always be stopped within 15 minutes by applying direct pressure to the wound.
Moderate bleeding can usually be slowed or stopped by applying steady, direct pressure to the wound for 15 minutes.
Severe bleeding cannot be slowed or stopped by applying steady, direct pressure to the wound for 15 minutes.

Nonprescription products are available to be applied to the skin and help stop mild bleeding of minor cuts, lacerations, or abrasions. Before you buy or use one, be sure to read the label carefully and follow the label's instructions when you apply the product.

After you have stopped the bleeding, use the Check Your Symptoms section of this topic to determine if and when you need to see your health professional.

Stitches, staples, or skin adhesives (also called liquid stitches)
Determine whether your wound needs to be closed by a health professional. For more information, see are stitches, staples, or skin adhesives necessary?

Your health professional will tell you how to take care of your stitches or staples and when to return to have them removed. Skin adhesives usually do not need to be removed, but your health professional may wish to see you to check on the wound. Be sure to carefully follow your health professional's instructions. If you are unsure of how to care for your wound or have questions, call your health professional for instructions.

Clean the wound
Clean the wound as soon as possible to reduce the risk of infection, scarring, and tattooing of the skin from dirt left in the wound. Wash the wound for 5 minutes with large amounts of cool water and soap (mild dishwashing soap, such as Ivory, works well). For more information, see how to clean a wound. Some nonprescription products are available for wound cleaning that numb the area so cleaning does not hurt as much. Be sure to read the product label for correct use.
Soak the wound in warm water for 20 minutes, 2 to 4 times a day, for the next 4 to 5 days. The warmth from the water will increase the blood flow to the area, which helps reduce the risk of infection.

Consider applying a bandage
Most puncture wounds heal well and do not need a bandage. You may need to protect the puncture wound from dirt and irritation. It is important to clean the wound thoroughly before bandaging it to reduce the risk of infection occurring under the bandage. For more information, see how to bandage a wound.

Tetanus
Determine whether you need a tetanus shot.
You may have a localized reaction to a tetanus shot. Symptoms include warmth, swelling, and redness at the injection site. Apply an ice pack to the injection site for 20 minutes, 3 or 4 times a day for the first 24 to 48 hours. After 48 hours, heat may feel better.
Take a nonprescription medication for pain and fever.

Pain relief
An ice or cold pack may help reduce swelling and bruising.

Symptoms to Watch For During Home Treatment
Use the Check Your Symptoms section of this topic to evaluate your symptoms if any of the following occur during home treatment.
Signs of infection develop.
Signs of loss of function develop.
Signs of decreased blood flow develop.
Wound does not heal.
Symptoms become more severe or more frequent.

Prevention
To prevent puncture wounds, it is important to practice safety when using blunt or sharp objects.

Pay close attention to what you are doing.
If you become distracted, set the object aside until you can pay attention to what you are doing.
Know how to use the object properly.
Have good lighting so you can see what you are doing.
Wear gloves whenever possible to protect your hands.
Wear other safety gear, such as glasses or boots, as appropriate.
Hold a sharp object away from your body while using it.
Carry the object with the dangerous end away from you.
Shut the power off and use safety locks on your power tools when you are not using them.
Be very careful when using high-pressure equipment, such as staple guns or paint sprayers. Make sure your work area is clear of people and hazards that could interfere with the safe operation of the equipment.
Store dangerous objects in secure places away from children.
Teach children about safety, and be a good role model.
Do not use alcohol or drugs when you are handling sharp objects.