To deal with an infected wound?

If an injury isn't treated promptly and effectively, it can become infected, a common problem during wound healing. Proper wound care can effectively control infection and promote healing. The following details how to identify and care for a wound infection.

How to determine if a wound is infected?

Under normal circumstances, the wound will gradually heal over time. If the following situations occur, it may indicate that the wound has become infected. Local symptoms include persistent redness around the wound, which expands in area, feeling hot when touched, obvious swelling, and the pain not only does not subside but worsens. The wound exudate increases, and the fluid may appear turbid, yellow, or green, and sometimes has an odor. The wound edges may separate, with no signs of healing, and even yellow or gray necrotic tissue may appear. In severe cases, systemic symptoms may occur, and the patient may have a fever exceeding 38 degrees Celsius, or sometimes hypothermia. Feeling chills, shivering, general fatigue, and loss of appetite. Some patients may experience signs such as rapid heartbeat and changes in respiratory rate. The elderly or those with low immunity may not show obvious fever, but may experience changes in consciousness, such as lethargy or irritability.

What care measures should be taken after infection?

For mild infections, home care can be initiated. Irrigate the wound with normal saline to remove surface secretions and necrotic tissue. Use iodine or another disinfectant recommended by your doctor, disinfecting from the center of the wound outward. Cover with a sterile dressing to keep the wound clean and dry. Change the dressing daily and monitor the wound for changes.

If symptoms of infection are obvious, such as increased pus, fever, or increased redness and swelling, seek medical attention promptly. Your doctor may perform a bacterial culture of wound secretions to identify the infecting bacteria and select a sensitive antibiotic. For deep infections or abscess formation, surgical debridement may be necessary to completely remove necrotic tissue and pus. After surgery, the wound may remain open and gradually heal with regular dressing changes.

After infection control, several measures can be taken to promote wound healing. Keep the wound moderately moist and use a hydrocolloid or alginate dressing. For better and faster wound healing, avoid smoking, as nicotine can affect blood circulation and delay the healing process. For diabetics, strict blood sugar control is essential.

How to prevent wound infection?

Keeping the wound clean and dry is the most basic preventive measure. Change the dressing regularly as directed by the doctor, wash your hands before changing, and use aseptic techniques. Avoid contact of the wound with pollutants or raw water, and use waterproof dressings to protect it when bathing. It is equally important to enhance your own immunity. Ensure adequate rest and sleep, and consume foods rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. For larger wounds or postoperative patients, the doctor may use antibiotics prophylactically, which should be taken on time and in the right dosage. Also, pay attention to changes in the wound, including the range of redness and swelling, the degree of pain, the nature and amount of exudate, etc. If there is any abnormality, seek medical attention in time, and do not use antibiotic ointments or other drugs on your own to avoid drug resistance or delay in treatment. Special populations such as the elderly, diabetics, or those with weakened immune systems require more meticulous wound care and more frequent medical follow-up.

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Editor: kiki Jia