Punctures, skin tearing, and deep penetrating wounds are very dangerous because bacteria may be injected deep into the tissues. Injuries to the hand, wrist, foot, joint, abdomen, or chest require immediate medical attention. Local wound may include warmth, pus, red streaks, a foul odor, lymph node swelling, pain with joint movement, and fever. Impaled foreign objects should be stabilized. Do not remove them.
All wounds require immediate copious cleansing with fresh tap water.
Gently scrub the wound with soap and water to remove foreign material. If a syringe is available, it should be used to provide high-pressure irrigation. Remove dead tissue from the wound with a sterile scissors or scalpel. After cleansing, a topical Bacitracin ointment should be applied 3 times per day. Wounded extremities should be immobilized and elevated.