A foreign material in a cut. The most common foreign bodies are gravel, small rocks, sand, glass, and wood. If the foreign body is not removed an infection of the wound can occur. The best way to prevent a foreign body in a wound is to clean the area with running water. The healthcare provider will examine the wound and try to visualize any material after the wound has been cleaned. Sometimes an x-ray or CT scan is helpful in detecting a foreign body lying underneath the surface of the skin.