What to do if pricked by a sewing machine needle

After being punctured by a sewing machine needle, timely and proper medical care can reduce the risk of infection. Key measures include removing the needle, cleaning the wound, thorough disinfection, assessing wound depth and presence of foreign objects, proper follow-up care to prevent infection, and adjusting daily habits to promote healing. The detailed steps are as follows:

1. Remove the needle and clean the wound: If the needle is partially exposed, use sterile tweezers or a cotton swab to grasp the end of the needle and remove it steadily without shaking side to side, which could worsen tissue damage. Immediately after removal, rinse the wound thoroughly with running water or saline solution for 3–5 minutes to flush out dirt and any possible fiber residue.

2. Thoroughly disinfect the wound: After rinsing, gently pat dry the wound and surrounding skin with sterile gauze. Use iodophor (iodine-based antiseptic) to wipe the area in a spiral motion from the center of the wound outward, covering a 5 cm radius around the wound. Allow the antiseptic to air-dry completely—do not touch the disinfected area with bare hands.

3. Assess wound depth and presence of foreign bodies: Check whether the wound is deep, continues to bleed, or contains foreign materials such as fabric fibers or rust. For shallow wounds with minimal bleeding and no retained debris, home treatment may be sufficient. However, if the wound is deep, bleeding persists, or foreign objects cannot be fully removed, seek immediate medical attention.

4. Follow-up care to prevent infection: Depending on the wound, choose either leaving it exposed or covering it. Small, superficial wounds can be left uncovered to stay dry; larger wounds should be lightly covered with sterile gauze and changed daily. Avoid getting the wound wet or exposing it to grease. Do not squeeze or press on the wound, to prevent bacterial invasion and infection.

5. Adjust lifestyle habits to support recovery: During recovery, maintain a light diet rich in protein—such as eggs and lean meat—and consume plenty of fruits and vegetables high in vitamins to support tissue healing. Ensure adequate sleep, avoid staying up late, and minimize movement of the injured area to allow sufficient rest.

Monitor the wound daily after treatment. Seek prompt medical care if signs of redness, swelling, increased pain, or discharge appear. When using a sewing machine regularly, wear protective gloves and follow safe operating procedures to reduce the risk of injury at the source.