If treated correctly, infected cuts usually heal without any problems. Minor infections (accompanied by redness and swelling) can often be cleaned and treated at home. Wash the affected area with soap and water, apply an antiseptic or antibacterial solution, and cover it with a clean patch. If you notice symptoms associated with a more serious infection, such as pus, severe pain, or swelling, see a doctor, who may possibly prescribe antibiotics. Take your medications following the instructions given to you.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Keep the Cut Clean
Step 1. Wash your hands before treating the cut and afterwards as well
Before touching the wound, wash your hands with warm soapy water for at least 20 seconds to avoid contaminating it. Since the germs responsible for infections can spread very easily, wash your hands again after touching the cut.
Avoid touching the wound unless you need to clean it or change the patch. Scratching or poking at it can cause germs to spread and make the infection worse
Step 2. Clean the infected wound
Wash the affected area well using a mild soap and warm water. This will remove bacteria and other microbes. After the cut is washed, rinse it with warm water for about five minutes, then pat it gently with a clean towel.
Do not clean or wash the wound with iodine, isopropyl alcohol, or hydrogen peroxide, as they can irritate the affected area and prolong the healing process
Step 3. Apply an antiseptic or antibacterial solution
Clean the wound by massaging an antibacterial ointment. Help yourself with gauze, a cotton swab or a paper handkerchief. Throw it away immediately after. Do not use it to repeat the application and do not place it on any surface.
Apply the antibacterial ointment three times a day or every time you change the patch
Step 4. Cover the cut with sterile gauze
Cover the wound with a band-aid or gauze to keep it from getting dirty and to avoid spreading the infection. Change the patch at least three times a day or as soon as it gets wet or dirty.
Do not let the adhesive on the patch come into contact with the wound. Also, avoid touching the part of the patch that adheres to the cut
Method 2 of 3: Recognizing the Severe Symptoms
Step 1. See your doctor right away if the cut is due to a bite or a rusty object
See a doctor as soon as possible if you have been bitten or cut with a dirty object. When compared to other types of wounds, bites from humans or animals are more likely to cause serious infections. On the other hand, stings or cuts caused by rusty and dirty objects can cause a tetanus infection or other very serious illness.
Step 2. See a doctor if you have a medical condition that interferes with the healing process
In case of diabetes, autoimmune diseases, cancer, kidney, liver, lung or any other pathology that would hinder proper healing, the wound should be examined by a doctor. These diseases can in fact cause serious complications.
If you've cut yourself with paper and the wound is healing smoothly, you don't need assistance. However, a deeper, red, swollen cut that doesn't seem to heal should be cause for concern
Step 3. See a doctor if the pain or tenderness intensifies after a day or two
Symptoms of the infection should go away and the cut should begin to heal within a couple of days. If you do not see any improvement, you are in severe pain, the wound smells bad and has secretions, go to the doctor.
Step 4. See your doctor to check for pus, cloudy discharge, or abscesses
An abscess is a small collection of pus that is red and warm to the touch. This bump is also usually painful to touch and is shaped like a sac filled with fluid. Your doctor should do a bacterial culture to evaluate the composition of the pus or secretions; sometimes, the abscess may need to be drained.
Never try to drain an abscess indoors
Step 5. Go to the emergency room if symptoms are severe
Severe symptoms could be indicative of tissue damage or an infection spreading to other parts of the body. Although uncommon, acute cut infections can be fatal. Seek immediate medical attention or go to the emergency room if you have the following symptoms:
- Fever;
- Intense pain in the affected area;
- Numbness or loss of tactile perception in the affected area
- Peeling or pigmentation changes in the affected area.
Method 3 of 3: See a Doctor
Step 1. During your visit, explain to your doctor how you got the cut
If you have severe symptoms and need to see a doctor, you will need to undergo an examination. Tell him how and when you got the cut, when the symptoms appeared (or when they started to get worse), and what antibiotics or medications you recently took.
This information will help your doctor determine which treatment is best for your needs
Step 2. Make a bacterial culture
The doctor will take a sample of pus or secretions, take a small sample of tissue, or swipe the infected cut with a cotton swab. The sample will then be tested for the presence of certain germs. Based on the results, it will be determined if you need to take antibiotics and (if necessary) which ones to prescribe.
If you have an abscess, it will be drained and a culture taken to analyze the composition of the pus
Step 3. Take antibiotics and other medicines according to the instructions given to you
If your doctor prescribes medications for you, take them as directed. Do not stop taking it, even if the cut starts to heal.
- If you stop taking the antibiotics before completing the course, the infection could come back and worsen.
- Your doctor may also recommend that you take an over-the-counter medicine, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to help combat pain or fever.
Step 4. Ask if you should be hospitalized
In rare cases, more serious skin infections can cause sepsis or other life-threatening conditions. If necessary, your doctor will recommend that you go to hospital for specific therapy, which may include intravenous medication or surgery to remove infected tissue.
