Gunshot Wound

Home care

These guidelines will help you care for your wound at home:

• Keep the wound clean and dry. If a bandage was applied and it becomes wet or dirty, replace it. Otherwise, leave it in place for the first 24 hours.

• If the wound was left open or if stitches (sutures) were used, clean the wound daily:

  • After removing the bandage, gently wash the area with soap and water. Do not rub or scrub the area.

  • After cleaning, apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment. This will keep the wound moist and make it easier to remove the stitches. Reapply the bandage.

  • You may shower as usual after the first 24 hours, but don't soak the area in water (no tub baths or swimming) until the stitches are removed.

• If surgical tape closures were used, keep the area clean and dry. If it becomes wet, blot it dry with a towel. After the surgical tape closures have been removed, it's safe to resume your normal activities.

• If bleeding occurs from the wound, cover with a gauze or towel and apply firm direct pressure without letting go for 5 full minutes by the clock. This gives time for a clot to form. If this does not stop bleeding, return to the hospital right away.

• You may use over-the-counter pain medicine to control pain, unless another pain medicine was prescribed.  Note: If you have chronic liver or kidney disease or ever had a stomach ulcer or gastrointestinal bleeding, talk with your healthcare provider before using these medicines.

• Do not apply any lotion, or cream, including OTC topical medicines or herbal remedies on the wound without asking your provider.

• After a gunshot wound, it's normal to have many strong and unexpected feelings. Shock, fear, depression, blame and anger are all very common and normal feelings. There may also be:

  • General sense of anxiety and fear about your safety

  • Recurring thoughts or nightmares about the event

  • Trouble sleeping or changes in appetite

  • Feeling depressed, sad. or low in energy

  • Irritability or getting easily upset

  • Feeling the need to stay away from activities, places or people that remind you of the event

Follow-up care

Most skin wounds heal within 10 days. But even with correct treatment, a wound infection may occur. Check the wound daily for signs of infection listed below. Stitches should be removed from the face within  5 days. Stitches should be removed from other parts of the body within  7 to 14 days. If surgical tape closures were used, let them fall off naturally. If they don't fall off naturally, remove them yourself after  7 days by soaking them in water, unless told otherwise. A radiologist will review any X-rays taken. You'll be told of any new findings that may affect your care.

If emotional or mental symptoms last more than 3 weeks, you may have a more serious traumatic stress reaction. Follow up with your healthcare provider or a counselor or psychotherapist. Some treatments can help. Your local or state district attorney, attorney general, or law enforcement office may be able to provide assistance or referral for more help.

When to get medical advice

Call your healthcare provider or get medical care right away if any of these occur:

• Increasing pain in the wound

• Fever of 100.4ºF (38ºC) or higher, or as directed by your provider

• Redness, swelling, or pus coming from the wound

• Numbness near the wound when stitches are removed

Call 911

Call 911 if any of these occur:

• Continued bleeding from the wound that is not controlled with direct pressure

• For chest, back, or belly (abdomen) wounds: watch for shortness of breath, painful breathing, increasing back or belly pain, weakness, dizziness, or fainting