What Are Infected Wounds?
Infection can occur in any type of wound. It develops when the wounds are exposed to germs such as bacteria and they start growing within the damaged skin of the wounds. It causes improper healing as well as also increases the risks of scars. Minor infections can be treated at home but if the patient is suffering from more severe or persistent wound infections, they should seek immediate medical help.
How To Tell If A Wound Is Infected Or Not?
Any type of wound whether it is surgical or traumatic can become infected when harmful bacteria attack in the break in the skin and slows the healing process. It causes the risks of scars and in some cases, the infection can further spread in the other parts of the body.
A wound is infected if it includes any of these below-mentioned symptoms, such as:
Red and warm skin around the wound
Increased pain
Yellow or green discharge from the wound
Bad odor
Fever and cold
Nausea
Vomiting
Change in the color and size of the wound etc.
Other signs of infected wounds include:
Discoloration of tissues
Lymphangitis
Delayed healing etc
If the patient notices any of these symptoms, immediate assistance from Wound Care Surgeons is required.
What Are The Risk Factors Of Infected Wounds?
If there are any cuts, grazes, and other types of breaks in the skin, they are prone to infection when the bacteria enter the wound and start growing. The bacteria can develop from the surrounding skin, external environment, or from the object that caused wounds. It is essential to clean and protect the wound for proper infected wound treatment. Here are the risk factors of infected wounds:
The risks of wound infection can increase if:
Poor blood circulation
The patient is suffering from diabetes
Obesity
If the wound is large, deep, or opened edges
An animal bite
Dirt or foreign particles in wounds
An injury from a contaminated object
Decreased mobility or immobility
Poor diet and hygiene etc.
How To Treat Infected Wounds At Home?
If there is an infection in the surgical wounds, the patient should speak to qualified and experienced doctors. They may take a sample of the discharge from the infected wound with a stick. This is known as a Swab which is then sent to the laboratory to figure out the types of germs causing infection. The team of wound care specialists will help the patient keep the wound clean and generate a suitable treatment if required.
However, if the injury is small, it can be treated at home to prevent further infection. The patient is required to keep the wound clean by washing it with warm water and clean cotton wool. Before washing, thoroughly wash hands and make sure that the necessary equipment is clean like tweezers, etc. Check if there is no dirt or debris in the wound such as glass etc. If any, remove them with tweezers and apply a thin layer of antiseptic ointment or petroleum jelly to the cut. Also, make sure that the skin is well-dried before covering it with a bandage.
When To See Wound Care Experts?
The patient should seek medical attention if:
The wound is large or deep
Opened edges of the wound
Symptoms of infection such as fever, increased pain or redness as well as discharge from the wound
Difficulties in cleaning the wound properly or removing debris.
The cause of the wound was a bite or an injury from a contaminated object etc.
Related Read: Know About Different Types Of Wounds
How To Prevent Wound Infection?
Keeping the wound clean and covered with a bandage can reduce the risk of infection. After experiencing a minor cut or injury, the person should:
Wash the wound immediately with running water for several minutes. Clean the skin around the wound with warm water
Dry the skin properly.
Apply an antiseptic ointment to the wound.
Protect the injury with a bandage.
If the wound is larger, deep, and has excessive bleeding, it will require medical attention. Keep an eye on the condition of the wound and seek medical advice for proper infected wound healing.
