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This article was co-written by Laura Marusinec, MD. Marusinec is a licensed pediatrician at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, and she is a member of the Clinical Practice Council. She received her PhD from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine in 1995 and completed her residency at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine with a major in Pediatrics in 1998. She is a member of the American Medical Writers Association and the American Medical Writers Association. Children’s Emergency Care Association.
There are 16 references cited in this article that you can view at the bottom of the page.
This article has been viewed 126,507 times.
Cuts and scrapes are inevitable in everyday life. Usually, they will be able to heal easily on their own. But sometimes, you can be in danger when bacteria get into the wound and cause an infection. Recognizing early signs of infection can make treatment faster and more effective. Almost any infection can be treated with antibiotics, however, this depends on the severity of the infection you are experiencing. Some of the main signs of inflammation include redness, discharge, and persistent pain. Learning how to recognize an infected wound is an important part of staying healthy.
Steps
Check for Increase in Pain, Swelling, Redness and Temperature Around the Wound
- Remember to wash your hands after touching the wound.
- Once you have removed the dirty bandage from the wound, you should discard it or throw it in the trash. Contaminated bandages should never be reused.
- The skin around the wound may also become warmer than usual. If you notice these symptoms, see your doctor.
- You may feel a sharp pain. [7] X Research Source Itching is not necessarily a sign of infection, however, you should not touch the wound by scratching excessively. Nails can harbor a lot of bacteria and scratching will make the wound worse.
- Your doctor may prescribe a topical antibiotic for you if the infection is minor and is only on the surface of the skin. [9] X Trusted Source World Health Organization Go to Source
Check the Appearance of Pus and Fluid
- In some cases, discharge is just a normal reaction, as long as the discharge is fairly liquid and clear. The bacteria can produce a clear fluid that is not yellow or green. In this case, the doctor will conduct an examination to determine the specific cause of the infection. [11] X Research Source
- The non-adhesive portion of the dressing should be placed at the site of the wound. Bandages should be large enough to easily cover the wound.
Lymphatic System Infection Check
- This inflammation (called lymphadenitis) can be quite dangerous and requires prompt medical attention when you notice the appearance of red streaks extending from the site of the wound, especially especially if you also have a fever. [16] X Research Source
- Bacteria get trapped in these glands while the body is working on its immunity. [18] X Source of Study[19] X Source of Research Sometimes, you can have inflammation of the lymphatic system without even noticing the appearance of red streaks on your skin.
- Lymph nodes that are enlarged, tender, and easily moved around are often signs of an infection.
- Lymph nodes that are hard, cannot be moved, are painful, or persist for more than 1 or 2 weeks should be checked by a doctor. [22] X Research Source
Check Body Temperature and Sensation
- If you have body aches, headaches, dizziness, nausea, or even vomiting, you may have an infection. A new rash will be another obvious reason for you to know that you need to see a doctor.
- Since your body is fighting bacteria, you need to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Dealing With Serious Infections
- Pay special attention to bites, punctures, and pressure injuries. Be careful with wounds from unhygienic objects such as: hard knives, rusted nails, or dirty tools.
- If you are bitten by a dog, consult your doctor about the risk of rabies or tetanus. You may need antibiotics or a tetanus shot. [27] X Research Source
- If you’re healthy and your immune system is pretty good, most wounds will heal on their own and you’re less likely to get an infection. Your immune system has developed enough to prevent the occurrence of an infection.
- Do not drive when you are dizzy and have a fever. If possible, ask a friend or relative to take you to the hospital. You will likely have to take strong antibiotics to help stabilize your body.
- When in doubt, check. As for the infection, you will not be able to fully self-diagnose through information on the Internet. A medical diagnosis is the best way to be sure.
- Do not take NSAIDs if you are taking blood thinners. Be aware that these drugs can cause stomach ulcers or kidney failure in some people. Please consult your doctor!
Advice
- Provide enough light. You will easily recognize signs of infection in a room with lots of light.
- If you don’t see any signs of healing, such as crusting, you may have an infection. Come see a doctor. You should also see a doctor if the wound is getting worse.
- If the wound doesn’t stop oozing pus, be sure to clean it up as soon as you see it, and if it persists, see your doctor.
Warning
- Infection can lead to more serious health problems, so if you’re unsure about the infection’s status, you should see your doctor or healthcare professional.
This article was co-written by Laura Marusinec, MD. Marusinec is a licensed pediatrician at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, and she is a member of the Clinical Practice Council. She received her PhD from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine in 1995 and completed her residency at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine with a major in Pediatrics in 1998. She is a member of the American Medical Writers Association and the American Medical Writers Association. Children’s Emergency Care Association.
There are 16 references cited in this article that you can view at the bottom of the page.
This article has been viewed 126,507 times.
Cuts and scrapes are inevitable in everyday life. Usually, they will be able to heal easily on their own. But sometimes, you can be in danger when bacteria get into the wound and cause an infection. Recognizing early signs of infection can make treatment faster and more effective. Almost any infection can be treated with antibiotics, however, this depends on the severity of the infection you are experiencing. Some of the main signs of inflammation include redness, discharge, and persistent pain. Learning how to recognize an infected wound is an important part of staying healthy.
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