Did you know that stab wounds account for 5% of emergency hospital care for children? A stab wound occurs when a sharp object such as a nail, pin, broken glass, or similar sharp object penetrates the skin. These wounds tend to be narrow but can be quite deep if the object is pushed hard. Minor stab wounds can be treated relatively easily at home, so you don't need to visit the emergency room. But on the other hand, serious stab wounds should be treated as soon as possible by medical professionals. Read further on this article to learn how to examine and treat minor stab wounds and other more serious stab wounds.
Step
Part 1 of 4: Checking Wounds
Step 1. Immediately treat the wound
If treated promptly, stab wounds usually won't have a serious impact. However, if not, the infection that enters through the stab wound can threaten the patient's safety.
Step 2. Calm the patient
This step is especially important for children and those who cannot stand pain. Ask the patient to sit or lie down, and try to calm him or her while you are administering the treatment.
Step 3. Wash your hands with soap or an antibacterial solution to prevent infection
Clean all equipment that may be used to treat wounds with medical alcohol, such as tongs
Step 4. Clean the wound with soap and warm water
Clean the wound under warm running water for 5 to 15 minutes, then wash it with soap and a clean cloth.
Step 5. Stop the wound bleeding
Minor stab wounds usually don't bleed much. Use a clean cloth to gently press the wound surface directly until the bleeding stops.
- A little blood that flows out may actually help clean the wound. So, you can let the wound bleed a little for about 5 minutes.
- If the wound still bleeds after a few minutes of pressure, or if the bleeding is heavy, persistent, or worrying, seek medical attention immediately.
Step 6. Examine the wound
Observe the size and depth of the wound, and check for any objects left in the skin. Large puncture wounds may need stitches. Call your doctor or visit the emergency department immediately if you notice any of the following signs:
- The bleeding doesn't stop after 5 to 10 minutes.
- The depth of the wound reaches 0.6 cm or more. Even if the bleeding can be stopped, large wounds should be treated by medical personnel.
- There are objects left deep in the skin. If you can't see anything but suspect something has been left in the wound, seek medical attention immediately.
- The wound is caused by a nail punctured on the sole of the foot, or by a rusty hook or other rusty object.
- Wounds are caused by human or animal bites. Bite wounds are prone to infection.
- The area around the wound feels numb or the patient is unable to move the area normally.
- The wound shows signs of infection, including redness and swelling, a sensation of increasing or stabbing pain, discharge of pus or other fluid, and fever or chills (see Section 4).
Part 2 of 4: Treating Severe Punctured Wounds
Step 1. Seek immediate medical attention
Call emergency services or a nearby emergency department. Severe stab wounds should be treated by medical professionals.
Step 2. Press the wound
If the bleeding is heavy and there is no clean cloth or bandage to use, apply pressure with your hand.
Step 3. Elevate the injured body part
If possible, keep the pierced body part higher than the heart. This position will help control the bleeding.
Step 4. Do not remove objects left in the skin
Just apply a pad or bandage, or a clean cloth around the object. Be sure to minimize pressure on the piercing object.
Step 5. Place the patient in a resting position
To help slow the bleeding, the patient should be in a fully rested position for at least 10 minutes.
Step 6. Monitor the patient's condition
While waiting for medical help to arrive, observe the condition of the wound and the patient.
- Continue to apply pressure to the wound and change the bandage if it is soaked with blood.
- Calm the patient until medical help arrives.
Part 3 of 4: Treating Minor Punctures
Step 1. Remove the piercing object if it is not large
Shards or other small sharp objects can be removed using tongs that have been cleaned with a disinfectant. Seek medical attention if the object is large, or pierces deep into the flesh.
Step 2. Remove dust or other small particles from the wound surface
Wipe the wound with a clean cloth and/or remove dust particles with tongs that have been cleaned with a disinfectant.
All kinds of foreign objects can enter the stab wound, including wood, cloth, rubber, dust, and other objects. These objects may be difficult or even impossible to see when treating wounds at home. However, do not gouge or dig into the wound. Seek medical attention if you suspect that something has been left in the wound
Step 3. Treat and apply a bandage to the wound
When the wound is clean of dirt and sharp objects, apply an antibacterial ointment or cream, then cover it with a bandage.
- Minor stab wounds are generally not large and don't bleed much, so you may not need a bandage. However, stab wounds on the soles of the feet or other easily soiled body parts may need to be bandaged to protect them.
- Topical antibiotic ointments such as Neosporin and Polysporin are quite effective and do not need to be purchased by prescription. Apply every 12 hours for 2 days.
- Use a breathable bandage or a non-stick bandage. Change it daily to make sure the wound is dry and healthy.
Part 4 of 4: Recovering the Stab Wound
Step 1. Treat the wound well
The following steps are recommended for the first 48 to 72 hours after treating a minor stab wound:
- Elevate the injured body part, above the heart if possible.
- Change the bandage if it gets dirty or wet.
- Keep the wound dry for 24 to 48 hours.
- After 24 to 48 hours, clean the wound with soap and water twice a day. You can reapply antibiotic cream or ointment, but avoid using medical alcohol or hydrogen peroxide.
- Avoid activities that burden the injured area and reopen it.
Step 2. Monitor the wound for infection
Minor puncture wounds should heal in less than 2 weeks. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of the following symptoms:
- A stabbing pain or pain that gets worse in the injured area.
- Redness or swelling of the wound. In particular, watch for any red streaks around or coming out of the wound.
- Discharge of pus or other fluid.
- Bad smell from inside the wound.
- 38°C fever or chills.
- Swelling of the glands of the neck, armpits, groin.
Step 3. Get a tetanus vaccination if necessary
Wounds exposed to soil, animal waste, or mud are at risk for tetanus infection. Use the following guidelines to determine if a patient needs a tetanus vaccination (and consult a doctor):
- If the patient's last tetanus vaccination was more than 10 years ago.
- If the cause of the wound is a dirty object (or you can't be sure it's clean), or the wound is quite severe, and the patient's last tetanus vaccination was more than 5 years ago.
- The patient does not remember the last time he received the tetanus vaccine.
- The patient has never received the tetanus vaccine.
Tips
- Minor stab wounds are usually not serious and do not require medical attention.
- Sanitary napkins can also be used to stop bleeding if needed.
