How to tell if there is infection in the wound?
Cuts and abrasions are part of everyday life. These wounds often heal easily. But sometimes the bacteria get into the wound and cause dangerous infections. Early detection of infection will make treatment faster and more effective. Although most infections are treated with antibiotics, this depends on the severity of the infection. There are basic indicators of infection, such as redness, inflammation of the wound, and ongoing pain. Learning how to check if the wound is infected is an important part of protecting your health.
Method
one
Checking for Increased Pain, Swelling, Redness or Wound Around Wound Check
one
Wash your hands first. You should always wash your hands thoroughly before examining a wound. [1] If you're worried about a wound getting infected, rubbing your dirty fingers around the wound can make it worse. Make sure to wash your hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap and water before doing anything. [2]
Don't forget to wash your hands after you touch the wound.
2nd
Examine the wound closely. You should remove the band-aid from the wound you're examining. Do this carefully so that there is no possibility of deterioration in the sensitive area. If the band-aid adheres to the wound, you can use tap water to remove it. The water sprayer in the kitchen sink is useful for this. [3]
You have to take out the dirty band-aid and throw it away. Don't try to use that dirty band-aid again.
3
See if the wound has redness or swelling. When you look at the wound, imagine whether it looks extremely red or reddened more than before. If the wound looks too red and the redness appears to be spreading outside the wound area, this may be indicative of infection. [4]
The skin in the injured area may be hot. If any of these symptoms are present, see a doctor for advice.
4
Ask yourself if the pain is increasing. Emerging or increased pain is a symptom of an infected incision. Only pain or other symptoms (such as swelling, heat, and inflammation) can be seen as an infection. See a doctor if you notice increased pain in the wound area. [5] Pain may feel like it is coming from the deep inside the wound. [6] In general, swelling, heat / temperature, tenderness, and pain in the site of the wound are the best indicators to see if a wound is infected.
You may feel a throbbing pain. [7] There's no such thing as an itch. But you should never make it worse by scratching the wound. Fingernails can carry more bacteria and scratching the worsens may worsen the condition.
5
Apply antibiotics to the wound unless recommended by the doctor. There is no evidence that antibiotic ointments significantly reduce wound infection. [8] A spreading infection has also entered the body. Therefore, treating the external wound only after the infection enters the body will not treat the bacteria in the body.
If the infection is small and superficial, the doctor may recommend an antibiotic ointment. [9]
Method
2nd
To check if there is inflammation or fluid in the wound
one
Look for any yellowish or greenish inflammation or fluid in the wound. The smell of this stream can also be disturbing. If you see inflammation or turbid fluid flowing through the wound, this is a major symptom indicating infection. [10] You should seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Some currents flowing through the wound are normal as long as the fluid is sparse and clear. The bacterium may produce clear discharge which is not yellow or green. In such a case, the doctor may examine the fluid to determine the cause of the infection. [11]
2nd
See if there's any inflammation around the wound. If you notice an inflammation under the skin around the injured area, there may be infection. [12] This may still be a sign of infection and should be taken seriously, even if inflammation does not flow from the wound when there is an accumulation of inflammation, tenderness, and a lump growing under the skin. [13]
3
After examining the wound, replace the old band-aid with a new, sterile band-aid. If there are no signs of infection, this will close and protect the wound. If there are signs of infection, a sterile band-aid will prevent further wound contamination until you see the doctor. [14]
Be careful to stick only the non-adhesive part of the band-aid to the wound. The band-aid should be large enough to cover the wound.
4
If inflammation of the wound continues to flow, see a doctor. Some currents flowing from the wound may be normal when the body fights the infection. But if the inflammation turns yellow or green and the amount of inflammation increases (or does not stop), consider seeing a doctor. This is especially true if other symptoms mentioned above are present. [15]
Method
3
Checking the lymph system for infection
one
Check for red streaks on the skin around the wound. You may notice that these lines move away from the wound along the skin. The formation of red lines on the skin around the wound may mean that the infection has spread to the lymphatic system, which drains fluids from the tissues.
This type of infection (lymphangitis) can be serious. If you see red streaks coming out of the wound area, especially if you have a fever, you should seek medical attention immediately. [16]
2nd
Find the lymph nodes closest to the wound. The lymph nodules closest to the arms are around the armpit. The ones closest to the legs are around the groin area. Lymph nodes, which are located in other parts of the body and which should be checked and located nearby, are the lymph nodes on both sides of the neck, just below the chin and jawbone. [17]
During the immune response, the bacteria are trapped in these glands. [18] [19] Sometimes there is infection in the lymph system, even though there is no red line on the skin.
3
Check for any abnormalities in the lymph nodules. Use 2 or 3 fingers to apply gentle pressure and manually examine the area to see if lymph nodes are growing. Growing lymph nodes may be sensitive. A relatively easy way to find abnormality; to feel both sides at the same time. If it is healthy, both sides should generally feel the same and symmetrical. [20]
4
See if you have swelling or tenderness in the lymph nodes you checked. If you feel swelling or tenderness, even if there are no red streaks, this may indicate that the infection has spread. Lymph nodules are approximately 1 cm and you should not feel them. They can swell twice or three times that number, and you can feel them clearly. [21]
Swollen lymph nodes that are soft and easily moveable usually indicate infection or inflammation.
Rigid lymph nodes that do not move, ache or persist for 1 to 2 weeks should be examined by a physician. [22]
Method
4
Checking Fever and General Condition
one
Measure your temperature. In addition to symptoms in the wound area, fever may occur. Fever above 38 degrees may indicate an infection wound. You should seek medical attention if fever occurs with one or more of the above signs of infection. [23]
2nd
Think overall if you're feeling bad. The indication of an infected wound can be as simple as feeling uneasy (general fatigue). [24] If you have a wound and you start feeling sick after a few days, it may be related to infection. Check the wound again for signs of infection and see a doctor if you continue to feel ill.
If you have body pains, headaches, dizziness, stomach upset, and even vomiting, you may have an infection. A new redness is another reason for you to see a doctor.
3
Know the water level of your body. Dehydration can be indicative of an infection-infected wound. The main symptoms of dehydration include low urination, dry mouth, collapsed eyes, and dark urine. If you're experiencing these symptoms, you should be very careful with your wound. You should check your wound for other signs of infection and see a doctor. [25]
Since the body fights infection, it is important that you drink a lot of water and that your body is not dehydrated.
Method
5
Dealing with a Serious Situation
one
Know which types of wounds are susceptible to infection. Most wounds heal with almost no headache. However, a wound that is not properly cleaned and treated is highly likely to contract infection. Cuts in the legs, hands and other areas that usually come into contact with bacteria are particularly prone to infection. Bites and nail wounds caused by an animal or human are also highly likely to get infection. [26]
Pay particular attention to bites, foreign body wounds and crush injuries. When handling the wound, pay attention to health-damaging sources such as sharp knives, rusty nails or a dirty tool.
If you get bitten, see a doctor and talk about the risk of rabies and tetanus. You may need antibiotics, vaccines or other treatments for tetanus or rabies. [27]
If you are healthy and your immune system is strong, most wounds will heal with minimal risk of infection. The body's defense system has evolved to prevent infections from taking root.
2nd
Understand other risk factors related to infection. If the immune system is compromised by diabetes, HIV or unhealthy nutrition, you have a higher risk of infection. Bacteria, viruses and fungi that normally do not cause problems in the body's immune system can infiltrate and grow in a disturbing level. This is especially the case where the first line of the physical defense system, the skin is severely compromised by second and third degree burn injuries.
3
Be aware of the symptoms of serious infection. You may have fever and dizziness. Your heart may be beating faster than normal. The wound will be warm, red, bulging and painful. You may notice a bad smell, such as the smell of something that starts to rot or deteriorate. [28] All these symptoms may be mild or very severe, but if you have a few of them, you should seek medical advice.
Don't drive if you're dizzy or hot. If possible, ask a friend or family member to take you to the hospital. You may need to take a strong antibiotic to keep your health in balance.
If in doubt, get an examination. In the case of infection, it is not enough to diagnose yourself on the Internet. To be sure, a valid medical diagnosis is best.
4
See a doctor. If you believe the wound is infected, go to a medical clinic or make an appointment with your doctor immediately. This is especially important if you have another disease or you have any of the risk factors for infection.
5
Consider using antibiotics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Antibiotics can help and prevent bacterial infection. In addition, antibiotics can be the most powerful way to overcome severe inflammation. Nonsteroidal inflammatory drugs will help relieve bloating, pain and fever. You can buy a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug without the need for a prescription, but you will need a prescription for most effective antibiotics.
If you use blood thinners, do not use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Be aware that these drugs can cause stomach ulcers and kidney dysfunction in some people. Consult your doctor!
Tips
Use good lighting. You will be able to see signs of infection more easily in a well-lit environment.
If you have no signs of healing, such as scabbing, you may have an infection. See a doctor. You should see a doctor if the wound gets worse.
If there is persistent inflammation, clean it as soon as you notice it and see a doctor if it persists.
Warnings
Infections can cause serious health problems. So see a doctor or family doctor if you are not sure about infection or wound.
3AXX
Neosporin Original Antibiotic Ointment, 24-Hour Infection Prevention for Minor Wound, .5 oz
