1. Definition
What is a stab wound?
The skin can be injured by being punctured by small, sharp objects. The most common puncture wounds are usually caused by stepping on a nail. The wound is not wide enough but still requires stitches. Because puncture wounds usually close more quickly and there is no time for cleaning through the discharge of blood, this type of wound often causes infection. Puncture wounds in the upper eyelid, for example, from being punctured by a pencil are very dangerous and can lead to brain abscesses. A deep infection of the foot usually begins with swelling of the top of the leg 1 to 2 weeks after the puncture occurs. Tetanus can occur if your child gets sores before being immunized.
What are the signs and symptoms?
The puncture wound may cause pain and light bleeding at the puncture area. Bleeding is usually quite obvious if a person gets a tear. In addition, small pieces of glass can also cause stab wounds because the person who was punctured may not see a piece of glass that is too small. Infection can cause redness, swelling, pus sores, or discharge from the stab wound that is not noticed or treated properly.
2. How to handle it
What should I do?
Soak the wound in warm water and soap for 15 minutes. Scrub the wound with a rag to remove dirt. If the wound is bleeding a little, you don't need to worry because a small bleeding can help get rid of germs.
Cut off any loose or peeling skin so that it doesn't cover the wound. Use clean scissors after cleaning the wound with alcohol.
Apply antibiotic ointment and a bandage to reduce the risk of infection. Repeat the wound cleaning process and reapply the antibiotic ointment every 12 hours.
Take acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain relief.
When should I see a doctor?
Contact your doctor immediately if:
- The stab wound was caused by a dirty object
- The skin was dirty when the victim was punctured
- After the wound is cleaned, you can still see dirt or small particles in the wound
- The tip of the object is broken and has the potential to enter into the wound
- The puncture occurs in the head, chest, stomach, or joints
- The victim never got the tetanus vaccine
Although not as urgent as the symptoms above, you still need to see a doctor if:
- The victim has not had a tetanus shot for more than 5 years
- The wound appears infected
- Pain, redness, or swelling increases after 48 hours
3. Prevention
Keep knives, scissors, firearms and other fragile items out of the reach of children. When the children are old enough, teach them how to use knives and scissors safely.
Make sure you and your child always get regular immunizations. Tetanus immunization is generally recommended to be done every 10 years.
