Version July 2025
Please read the Disclaimer at the end of this page.
What are discharge instructions? —
Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of yourself after getting medical care in the emergency department ("ED").
What should I know? —
You came to the ED because something got stuck in your skin. When an object gets into the skin that shouldn't be there, it is called a "foreign body."
The doctor might have removed the object from your skin. Or the object might dissolve or come out of your skin on its own. You can care for your wound at home.
You might also have gotten a tetanus vaccine. Tetanus is a serious infection caused by bacteria (germs) that live in the soil. The bacteria can get into the body through a cut, scrape, or puncture wound. The vaccine will help protect you from getting tetanus.
How do I care for myself at home? —
Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do to care for yourself. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.
You should also:
●Call your regular doctor and tell them you were in the ED. Make a follow-up appointment if you were told to.
●Take all your medicines as instructed:
•The doctor might have given you antibiotics or ointments. If you got antibiotics, it is important to finish all the medicine, even if you start to feel better.
•Take non-prescription medicines to relieve pain, such as acetaminophen (sample brand name: Tylenol), ibuprofen (sample brand names: Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (sample brand name: Aleve).
●Take care of your wound. If you have an incision, it might be left open to heal. Or it might have stitches, skin staples, surgical glue, or a special skin tape on it. It might have packing in it. Follow all instructions for how to care for your wound:
•Change the dressing as instructed. You might have to go back to the ED or to your regular doctor to have the dressing or packing changed.
•The doctor might want you to keep your wound covered as it heals. You can put a thin layer of antibiotic ointment on it to help keep it moist. This also prevents the dressing from sticking to your wound.
•When the doctor says it is OK, gently wash the area with soap and water. Pat dry, and put on a clean dressing. Change the dressing once a day and anytime it is wet or soiled.
•Do not swim or soak your wound in water until it has healed.
•Each time you change the dressing, look at your skin for signs of infection. These include redness that is getting worse or spreading, swelling, or warmth in the area.
•Always wash your hands before and after touching your wound or dressing.
●Prop your injured area on pillows, keeping it above the level of your heart. This helps lessen pain and swelling.
When should I get emergency help?
●Return to the ED if:
•You have a fever of 102.2°F (39°C) or higher, or chills.
•There is a bad smell or pus (thick yellow, green, or gray fluid) coming from your wound.
•You have red streaks on your skin near your wound, or the skin near your wound gets more red.
When should I call the doctor? —
Call for advice if:
●You have a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or chills.
●Fluid that is not pus drains from your wound.
●Your wound does not start to heal after a few days.
●The wound opens up.
●You have new or worsening symptoms.
Patient education: Removing objects stuck in the skin (The Basics)
Patient education: Taking care of cuts, scrapes, and puncture wounds (The Basics)
Patient education: Stitches and staples (The Basics)
Patient education: Skin glue for minor cuts (The Basics)
Patient education: How to change a dressing (The Basics)
Patient education: How to use topical medicines (The Basics)
