By Sarah Henry
CONSUMER HEALTH INTERACTIVEBelow:
• Signs of infection in a wound
• How should I treat it?
• Is there any way to help prevent a wound from getting infected?
Whenever an injury breaks the skin, infection becomes a major concern. Do what you can to prevent infection, and watch for signs of infection as the wound heals. If the wound does become infected, prompt treatment can speed healing and prevent complications. Signs of infection in a wound • Pain that worsens two days or more after the injury |
| •Red streaks leading away from wound |
| •Redness and swelling around the wound |
| •Discharge with pus (creamy or greenish fluid) |
| •Fever |
For the symptoms listed above, you should see a doctor right away. You may need antibiotics to get rid of the infection. How should I treat it? Wearing disposable gloves (if they are available), cover the wound with a sterile bandage or pad. Raise and support the infected area to help reduce swelling. Tell the person to see a doctor right away. If you are overdue for an immunization, get a tetanus shot within 72 hours of receiving an animal bite, a puncture wound, or a wound that is deep or has ragged edges. If you have a dirty or deep cut or scratch and haven't had a tetanus shot in the last five years, most medical professionals also recommend a booster shot. Is there any way to help prevent a wound from getting infected? For minor wounds, scrapes, and punctures, clean the injury right away with soap and water after washing your own hands. Then cover the affected area with a bandage to stop bleeding and reduce the risk of infection. Don't blow on a wound, because your mouth contains bacteria that could cause the wound to become infected. You may also want to cover the wound with antibiotic ointment and an adhesive bandage as a precaution. Also, keep a first aid kit handy -- both in the house and in the car -- and make sure it includes antibiotic ointment and antiseptic wipes. Equally important, keep your tetanus shots up to date. According to the National Safety Council's First Aid Institute, anyone who hasn't had a tetanus shot within the past 10 years should have a booster. -- Sarah Henry is an award-winning health writer specializing in parenting and social issues. She was a staff writer at the Center for Investigative Reporting for more than a decade and has also reported on health issues for Hippocrates, Time Inc. Health, the Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times Magazine, and television programs such as "60 Minutes" and PBS's "Health Quarterly."
References
American Medical Association. First-Aid Guide
First Aid for Cuts and Scrapes. National Safety Council First Aid Institute. http://www.nsc.org/issues/firstaid/firstaidfaq.htm
Cuts, Scrapes, and Puncture Wounds. MedicineNet.com.www.medicinenet.com/cuts_scrapes_and_puncture_wounds/article/htm
American College of Emergency Physicians First Aid Manual Second Edition.
Reviewed by Michael Potter, MD, an attending physician and associate clinical professor at the University of California, San Francisco. He is board-certified in family practice.
First published December 16, 2004
Last updated July 22, 2008
Copyright © 2004 Consumer Health Interactive
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