A cut, also called a laceration, is a break or opening in the skin. The cut may be deep, smooth, or jagged. It may be near the surface of the skin, or affect deep tissues, such as tendons, muscles, ligaments, nerves, blood vessels, or bone.
A puncture is a wound made by a pointed object (such as a nail, knife, or sharp tooth).
Infection may occur with some cuts and puncture wounds. The following types are more likely to become infected:
If the wound is bleeding severely, call 911.
Minor cuts and puncture wounds can be treated at home. Take the following steps.
FOR MINOR CUTS
FOR MINOR PUNCTURES
Call 911 if:
Call your doctor immediately if:
If you receive a serious wound, your doctor may order blood tests to check for bacteria.
Keep knives, scissors, firearms, and breakables out of the reach of children. When children are old enough, teach them to how to use knives and scissors safely.
Make sure you and your child are up to date on vaccinations. A tetanus vaccine is generally recommended every 10 years.
Wound - cut or puncture; Open wound; Laceration; Puncture wound
Hollander JE, Singer AJ. Evaluation of wounds. In: Tintinalli JE, Kelen GD, Stapczynski JS, Ma OJ, Cline DM, eds. Emergency Medicine: A Comprehensive Study Guide. 6th ed. Columbus, OH:McGraw-Hill;2006:chap 40.
Updated by: Jacob L. Heller, MD, MHA, Emergency Medicine, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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