How Can A Puncture Wound On The Leg Be Treated?

Posted on Mon, 24 Jul 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 24 Jul 2017 Answered on

Wed, 16 Aug 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello doctor,

I have a puncture wound from a kitchen knife on my leg. Could you tell me how to care for it?
Ive had it about two days.
I understand that it is too late for stitches. It is sore and i am keeping it covered.

I also have a small cut on my arm (couple of mm deep) which is a little sore and was weeping yellow-green pus yesterday. I irrigated with salt water and applied antibiotic oitment. Second pic is of that little cut. You cant really see it as i put bandaids on it to hold the skin together. It seems better today.

I am mostly worried about the cut on my leg as i cant make it close. Does it have to close or can i leave it?

Thank you,

XXXX

Answered by Dr. V. N. S. Parinam (24 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Closing is needed

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for the query.

I checked the images. One was on hand and nothing of cut is visible as it was covered with band aid.
The other image saw a 1cm cut. The wound has gaping and it has to be approximated to heal without scar. So the two ends have to be approximated. So you need 3M steristrips / skin adhesive glue to approximate and glue them. Please buy one and approximate the ends so that the healing is good and quick.
You can get the above from any pharmacy.

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar