It is quite normal to get cuts or scrapes in everyday life. Often these are lesions that heal without difficulty, but it can sometimes happen that bacteria enter the wound and therefore cause an even dangerous infection. However, if you can diagnose it early, it can be treated more quickly and effectively. Infections are generally treated with antibiotics, although treatment depends on the severity of the infection. There are some signs you may notice that clearly indicate when there is an infection, such as redness, pus discharge, and persistent pain. Learning to check the state of a wound is an essential aspect of keeping yourself healthy.
Steps
Part 1 of 5: Increased Pain, Swelling, Redness or Heat Around the Wound
Step 1. First, wash your hands
Before you start looking at the wound, you need to be sure that your hands are thoroughly clean. If you fear that your injury is or may become infected, dirty hands will only make the situation worse. So make sure you wash them properly with antibacterial soap and water before taking any action.
Remember to wash them even after touching the wound
Step 2. Examine the lesion carefully
Remove the bandage and start looking at it. Move carefully, so as not to risk aggravating the already sensitive area. If the bandage sticks to the cut, use running water to try to loosen and peel it off. The water sprayer from the kitchen faucet can be useful for this operation.
Once the dirty bandage is removed, you need to throw it in the trash. Never think about reusing it
Step 3. Notice if there are any signs of redness or swelling
In particular, check if there is excessive redness or in any case more than before. If you have this impression and it seems to you that the red zone has extended beyond the area of the lesion, know that it is a sign of infection.
Also make sure that the skin in the area is not hot. See a doctor if you seem to notice these symptoms
Step 4. See if the pain has gotten worse
If you feel a different pain or increase over time, the wound is infected. The pain itself, or in conjunction with other signs (such as swelling, warmth, and the presence of pus), can indicate the presence of bacteria. See your doctor if the pain in the injured area increases. You may feel it coming from the depth of the wound. Usually, if the area is swollen, hot, or feels sore to the touch, you should consider these signs as indicators of possible infection.
The pain may also be throbbing. Itching does not necessarily mean that there is an infection, although you should never pick or scratch a lesion too much, as nails contain a lot of bacteria and you could pass them on to the wound, making it worse
Step 5. Do not apply a topical antibiotic unless your doctor specifically recommends it to you
Studies have found that antibiotic creams aren't all that effective for treating infected wounds. If the infection has spread and also entered the body, topical treatment is not sufficient to also fight the bacteria present in the body.
Your doctor may recommend topical antibiotics if the infection is minor and superficial
Part 2 of 5: Check for Pus and other Secretions
Step 1. Look for pus or other greenish-yellow discharge
This secretion may also smell bad. If you notice pus or other cloudy-looking fluids coming out of the wound, there is an infection. In this case, you need to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
It is normal for fluid to come out of a wound, as long as it is clear and fluid. However, remember that bacteria can also produce clear-looking secretions, not yellowish or greenish, and in this case, your doctor will need to check them for the specific cause
Step 2. Check for pus around the wound
If you notice pus beneath the surface of the epidermis, around the wound, then there is an infection. Even if you see pus or a soft-to-the-touch lump growing under the skin and not coming out of the wound, it means the area is infected and you need to address the problem in a timely manner.
Step 3. Replace the old dressing with a new sterile one after checking the cut
That way, if you don't see any signs of infection, cover and protect the injury. If, on the other hand, the wound is infected, the sterile bandage protects it from other external contamination, at least until you visit the doctor.
Be careful to apply only the non-adhesive part of the bandage to the cut. Also make sure you get one large enough to completely cover the injured area
Step 4. If pus continues to come out of the wound, you should see a doctor
Clear secretions are completely normal as the body fights the infection. However, if you notice that they increase in volume and become yellowish or greenish (or in any case they do not shrink over time), you should be examined. This is especially important if you notice signs of infection like those described so far.
Part 3 of 5: Check if the Infection Has Reached the Lymphatic System
Step 1. Check the skin around the wound for red lines
There may be reddish streaks spreading from the wound to other areas of skin. These mean that the infection is spreading from the cut into the lymphatic system, which is responsible for draining fluids from the tissues.
This type of infection (lymphangitis) can be very serious and you need to seek immediate medical attention if you notice red streaks from the wound area, especially if you also have a fever
Step 2. Locate the lymph nodes (glands) closest to the lesion
As for the arms, the closest ones are located in the armpit area; for the legs, they are around the groin area. For other areas of the body, the closest ones you should check are on either side of the neck, just below the chin and jaw on either side.
Bacteria get trapped in these glands when the immune system reacts to the infection. Sometimes you may have a lymph node infection without showing any visible streaks on your skin
Step 3. Check your lymph nodes for any abnormalities
Use two or three fingers and apply light pressure to palpate the area of the lymph nodes and check that they are not swollen or painful to the touch. A relatively simple way to make sure everything is normal is to use both hands to feel the lymph nodes on both sides of the body at the same time. You should feel more or less similar and symmetrical if the infection hasn't affected them.
Step 4. Check the lymph node closest to the wound to make sure it is not swollen or painful
If you have one or both of these symptoms, the infection is likely spreading, even if you haven't seen any red streaks around the cut. Lymph nodes are usually about 1.3 cm in diameter and you should be able to feel them. When they are inflamed they can swell up to 2 or 3 times their original size and at this point you should be able to perceive them clearly.
- Typically, swollen lymph nodes that are also soft and move easily indicate inflammation or infection.
- If they are firm, don't move, are painful, and last for more than a week or two, then you need to have them examined by your doctor.
Part 4 of 5: Check Temperature and General Health
Step 1. Measure your body temperature
In addition to the symptoms that occur in the wound area, you also need to check for fever. If the temperature is greater than 38 ° C, it means that the wound is infected. You should see your doctor if one or more of the signs of infection described above are accompanied by fever.
Step 2. Determine if you have general discomfort
This is a simple and clear indicator of infection. If you got hurt and a few days later you start to feel bad, know that the two could be related. Look closely at the lesion again for signs of bacterial contamination and, if discomfort persists, see your doctor.
If you start experiencing muscle aches, headaches, dizziness, nausea, or even vomiting, you may have an infection. A new rash is also a good reason to see a doctor
Step 3. Monitor your hydration level
Dehydration is also an indicator of an infected wound. Among the main symptoms of this disorder are poor urine production, dry mouth, sunken eyes, and dark-colored urine. If you notice these signs, you need to pay special attention to the wound, check it carefully and contact your doctor.
Since the body is busy fighting the infection, it is important to stay hydrated and drink adequate fluids
Part 5 of 5: Handling a Serious Injury
Step 1. Recognize the types of wounds that may become infected
Although most injuries heal with little or no problems, some are more likely to become infected due to other factors, such as not being cleaned and cared for properly or if they are in areas of the body that they are more easily exposed to bacteria, such as feet. Bites from animals and people are more likely to become infected.
- Injuries caused by a bite or those caused by a dirty item such as a knife, nail or tool, puncture wounds and those caused by crushing can become infected more easily than other types of injuries.
- If you have been bitten, discuss with your doctor if you are at risk of contracting rabies or tetanus. You may need to undergo antibiotic treatment or take a tetanus shot.
- Most wounds in healthy subjects heal without any particular risk of infection, as the body's natural defenses have evolved over time to protect the body.
Step 2. Understand the factors that can increase the risk of infection
If the person is immunosuppressed, for example from diabetes, HIV, malnutrition, or drug use, the wound is more likely to become infected. Bacteria, viruses and fungi, which normally do not cause particular problems in a healthy organism, can however develop and multiply if the immune defenses are low. This is especially true in the case of second or third degree burns, when the body's front line defense (the skin) is severely compromised.
Step 3. Look for signs of a serious infection
You may have a fever and you may feel dizzy. The heart may be beating faster than usual. The wound is red, hot, swollen and painful. You may smell bad, like something rotten or decaying. All of these symptoms can occur in a moderate / severe case - but if they all occur together, medical attention is absolutely necessary.
- Don't drive if you feel dizzy and feverish. If possible, have a friend or family member accompany you to the hospital. You may need to take very strong antibiotics to stabilize your body.
- If in doubt, get checked by a doctor. In case of infection, self-diagnosis or checking on the internet is not enough. A medical opinion and its diagnosis are the best way to ascertain your actual condition.
Step 4. Get examined by a doctor
If you believe your wound is infected, go to the emergency room or make an emergency appointment with your doctor. It is absolutely important if you have other medical conditions or if you fall under the risk factors for infections.
Step 5. Consider taking antibiotics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories
The former may help you prevent bacterial infection and may be the most effective solution for treating acute inflammation. Anti-inflammatories help the body heal from swelling, pain and fever. It is possible to buy over-the-counter ones, but a prescription is required for the most effective ones.
Avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatories if you use blood thinners. In some patients, these drugs can cause stomach ulcers and kidney failure. Contact your doctor
Advice
- Use good lighting. If the room is well lit, you can see the signs of infection much better.
- If you don't see any signs of improvement, such as a scab, then there may be an infection. in this case, visit the doctor. You should also visit him if the condition of the injury worsens.
- If pus continues to come out, wipe it off as soon as possible, and if it continues to build up, see your doctor.
