With the school year starting within a few weeks, many families are looking to fit in one last summer vacation. Camping and visiting the beach are both popular, family-friendly choices, with opportunities for both here on Long Island. Just be careful as you head out—discarded sharp objects on beaches or at campgrounds could lead to painful puncture wounds in your feet.
The danger of these wounds for anyone is that they can be more serious than they appear. Dirt, debris, and pieces of the sharp object you stepped on can become embedded in your foot. The breach of your skin—plus exposure to dirt—increase your risk for infections. If you have diabetes, which impairs your immune system, you are even more vulnerable to complications from punctures. To prevent problems from developing, you need to take care of the wound right away, then seek medical treatment.
Here are a few basic first aid steps:
- Stop any bleeding: Apply pressure to the wound with a clean cloth and hold for a few minutes while the bleeding stops.
- Remove debris: Use tweezers sterilized with alcohol to remove easily-visible pieces of debris. If fragments are too deeply embedded, leave them and let our team remove them.
- Clean: Carefully wash out the wound with clean water, then use soap and a fresh cloth.
- Disinfect: Apply an antibiotic cream or ointment around the spot to help fight infections.
- Cover: Use a bandage to protect the wound from further exposure to dirt and bacteria.
Once the sore is cleaned and covered, try to avoid putting weight on it and seek medical help as soon as you can. This is vital if you have diabetes. You need appropriate care to prevent this small puncture from becoming a slow-healing ulcer.
Puncture wounds can be more serious than you might first expect, but you can take steps to prevent complications from them. Don’t ignore any breaks in the skin. If you have a sore or injury, let us know here at Country Foot Care in New York. You can reach us for an appointment by calling (516) 741-FEET or by using our online request form.
Photo Credit: How Soon Ngu via unsplash.com
