Punctured Wounds

Taken from Ayers' Every Man His Own Doctor ©1879

Puncture wounds are extremely dangerous--much more so than the others already described. A punctured wound from a nail, hook, or any other pointed instrument, gives rise to inflammation of the absorbents (a set of vessels running from the wound into the neighboring glands), and is manifested by red lines taking the course of these vessels. Abscesses of the glands, and of other parts of the body, in their course, frequently ensue; and if the matter be deep seated, such a degree of irritative fever is produced as to cause death.

Lock-jaw (tetanus) and frightful convulsions are often the result of tendons or sinews receiving punctured wounds. In the first instance the puncture should be laid open with the lancet, cold lotions should then be applied, and if inflammation sets in, the parts should be covered with leeches according to the age and strength of the patient; the diet should be sparing, fomentations and poultices should be constantly applied, and the limb should be supported on an inclined plane, in order to favor the gravitation of the blood towards the body. All stimulating drink should be cut off. The bowels should be kept freely open, and the patient should observe perfect rest. As soon as matter has formed, it should be let out by free incisions with the lancet, after which the parts should be poulticed three or four times a day. In order to allay irritation and pain, and to procure sleep, great advantage will be derived from the administration of ten grains of Dover's powder, at bedtime.

Note from Lynn: Please note that when I'm quoting from a old resource I'm using the spellings, punctuation and grammar that is in the book I'm quoting from.