A puncture wound caused by a nail, pin or other sharp object often doesn't bleed freely and bacteria may become sealed in. If such a wound is not |bleeding| enough, press gently around the wound to encourage |bleeding|. If there are any foreign objects in it, remove them. Clean the wound with |soap| and water and cover it with a sterile dressing. If the wound was caused by a dirty object and you haven't had a ~tetanus~ shot within five years, contact your doctor to find out if a ~tetanus~ immunization is needed. For the next few days soak the wound several times a day in warm water to keep the puncture open and to flush out bacteria. Call your doctor if any signs of ~infection~ develop (severe swelling, redness, pus and |fever|). Any puncture wound of the head, chest or abdomen requires immediate medical attention (possibility of internal injuries). Numbness or tingling may indicate ~nerve~ damage, which requires medical attention.
