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Infection of a wound gives symptoms of inflammation. In no case should it be taken lightly, even if the wound is not too extensive and deep. If left untreated, the infection can spread to the surrounding tissues and even to the entire body, which in some cases can be life-threatening. How to recognize the symptoms of a wound infection?

Wound infectiongivessymptomsinflammation. It usually only affects the wound and resolves with appropriate treatment. However, if the patient does not take the appropriate medications, the infection can progress to further tissues and even spread throughout the body. In some cases - usually with very extensive wounds such as burns - potentially fatal sepsis can develop.

Wound infection - causes

A wound is caused by a break in the skin or mucous membranes. It is infected primarily by microorganisms on the object that led to its creation (e.g. a knife). Pathogens in soil, air or water can also cause wound infection.

Wounds are often infected with microorganisms that naturally live on human skin, i.e. streptococci and staphylococci. This is the case, for example, in the case of pressure ulcers.

The surrounding pressure ulcer is usually inflamed and there are frequent recesses with purulent discharge reaching in various directions, sometimes over a considerable distance. As the necrosis separates, ulcers that heal difficult to heal and become easily infected.

Therefore, each wound should always be washed with CLEAN water or a preparation for cleansing, washing wounds, which will reduce the risk of infection. You can reach for a preparation containing, for example, polyhexanidine - a substance that supports the wound healing process and is not conducive to the development of microbial resistance. In the event of a deeper cut or burn, see a doctor.

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Wound infection - symptoms. How to recognize a wound infection?

What does wound infection look like?The most commonsignsof an infected wound are:

  • redness
  • baking
  • flashing
  • pain that worsens withattempting to compress the wound
  • swelling that does not go away and gets bigger with each passing day
  • purulent discharge or blood-discolored substance that flows from the wound (often with an unpleasant odor)

As the infection develops, low-grade fever and enlarged lymph nodes may appear, which indicate systemic infection.

Important

What increases the risk of wound infection?

First of all, a weakened immune system. Therefore, people suffering from diabetes, hypertension and vascular diseases are at risk of wound infection and the difficult and prolonged healing process. However, he althy people can also be at risk of infecting wounds if they eat poorly. The risk of wound infection also increases in cigarette smokers, as tobacco damages and constricts blood vessels. Also, excessive exposure to sunlight increases the risk of infection and delays the healing process.

Wound infection - complications

Complications after wound infection can be:

  • wound abscess- purulent bacteria most often infect a wound contaminated with earth, mud, scraps of clothing, etc.;
  • gas gangrene- this is a serious, often fatal, infection. It is caused by putrefactive bacteria which cause decay of tissues to form gases. Gas gangrene, or Clostridium Perfringens, is present in water, soil and sewage. Crushed muscles are especially susceptible to rotting;
  • tetanus- tetanus infection most often occurs after the wound comes into contact with the ground. Then the patient should be given anti-tetanus serum;
  • rabies- usually a consequence of being bitten by an animal suffering from rabies. Infection can occur even after slight damage to the skin or mucous membranes;

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Wound infection - treatment

According to the guidelines for local and general management of wounds with an infection process, treatment depends on the stage of infection:

  • Stage 1: subtle signs of infection (smell, pain or exudate) - healing is good
  • Stage 2: increasing signs of local infection (abscesses, swelling, pain, erythema with local warming) - healing is not going well - applying an antiseptic + dressing effectively retaining exudate in its structure

Due to the resistance of microorganisms to topical antibiotics, in recent years there has been a growing interest in the use of antiseptics as well as simple and complex dressings (includingcontaining antimicrobial compounds, e.g. silver) in the topical treatment of wound infections.

  • Stage 3: obvious signs of local infection (abscesses, swelling, pain, erythema with local warming) - features of adjacent tissue involvement; the condition of the wound deteriorates (cellulitis, lymphangitis) - application of an antiseptic + dressing with antibacterial substance + systemic antibiotic therapy (after previous microbiological examination and antibiogram)
  • Stage 4: obvious signs of local infection and signs of general infection (fever, leukocytosis) - the possibility of involvement of the surrounding tissues, which may lead to sepsis, and life-threatening organ damage - implementation of an antiseptic + dressing with antibacterial substance + systemic antibiotic therapy ( after previous microbiological examination and taking an antibiogram)

If the wound has become dirty with earth, your doctor may decide to give you a tetanus vaccine (this depends on your risk of tetanus and your vaccination history).

If the wound is the result of an animal bite, the patient is given a rabies vaccine.

Source:

Polish Wound Treatment Society, Guidelines for local and general management of wounds subject to the infection process, www.evereth.home.pl/archiwum-pdf/lr/2012/3/1.pdf

About the authorMonika Majewska A journalist specializing in he alth issues, especially in the areas of medicine, he alth protection and he althy eating. Author of news, guides, interviews with experts and reports. Participant of the largest Polish National Medical Conference "Polish woman in Europe", organized by the "Journalists for He alth" Association, as well as specialist workshops and seminars for journalists organized by the Association.

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