Any wound, whether a cut or an abrasion has the potential to become infected if not treated and taken care of properly. Most of the time these wound heals without difficulty. But in certain situations infection by bacteria can lead to tissue and skin damage. For proper care, it is important to understand the proper procedure for checking a wound for infection and keeping yourself healthy.
Check for Swelling, Redness, Increased Pain, or Warmness in Wound
- Wash your hands thoroughly.
- Remove the bandage and examine carefully.
- Look closely at your injury for extra redness or swelling. Spreading of redness indicates infection.
- Check if the pain is growing. It is a sign of increasing infection.
- Use an antibiotic ointment only if recommended by your doctor.
Check for Fluid Discharge
- Observe the wound for yellowish discharge. This is a big indicator of an infection.
- Look for a build-up of pus around the wound even if it is not leaking it is still a sign of infection.
- Some leakage from wound is normal; if it becomes yellowish and the amount is increased, immediately consult doctor.
- Put a new sterile bandage after inspecting the injury. It will protect your wound from further contamination.
Check Lymph System for Infection
- Notice the red lines moving away from the injury. This means that an infection has spread into the lymph system.
- Sometimes you can suffer infection to the lymph system without red lines being visible on your skin. In these glands bacteria are trapped during an immune response.
- Apply gentle pressure on lymph nodes under your chin and jawbone; they are generally same and symmetrical when healthy.
- If you can feel the lymph node either swelled or tender. This might be a sign of spreading infection.
Check your Body Temperature and Overall Feeling
- Apart from the symptoms check your body temperature. If it is over 100.5 F then your wound needs immediate medical attention.
- If you have a wound and you feel sick in few days. It could be an indicator of infection.
- If you are experiencing dehydration like dry mouth and urine troubles. Start giving more attention to your wound and seek a doctor’s advice.
If you care for a wound regularly and keep it clean and dry, the chance of it becoming infected will be minimal. Wound cleansers and first aid kits helps avoiding infections in early stages. Visit your health care professional immediately if condition deteriorates.
All about Wound Infection
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