Wound Infection

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• A wound infection happens when germs enter a break in the skin. These germs, called bacteria, attach to tissues causing wounds to stop healing, and other signs and symptoms. A wound may be a puncture (hole), laceration (tear), incision (cut), or burn. Deep ulcers (open sores), large burns, or bite wounds are more likely than other wounds to become infected. Wound infection may also occur in small wounds that were not treated. Cuts made during surgery may also get infected. This is called surgical site infection (SSI).
  
  
• Wounds that do not heal or improve with treatment are often infected. Pain, redness, and swelling are common signs and symptoms of infection. Wound care is done to clean the wound, stop infection, and help promote healing. Caregivers will choose the best treatment for your infected wound. Wound care includes wound cleansing and debridement (surgical cleaning). Medicine to fight infection and ease your symptoms may also be given. Treatments for your wound may change over time depending on how the wound is healing, and your health.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Medicines:

• Keep a current list of your medicines: Include the amounts, and when, how, and why you take them. Take the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency. Throw away old medicine lists. Use vitamins, herbs, or food supplements only as directed.
  
  
• Take your medicine as directed: Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not working as expected. Tell him about any medicine allergies, and if you want to quit taking or change your medicine. Use all medicines given to control other health conditions as directed by your caregivers. Managing conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease will help your wound heal.

• Antibiotics: This medicine is given to fight or prevent an infection caused by bacteria. Always take your antibiotics exactly as ordered by your primary healthcare provider. Do not stop taking your medicine unless directed by your primary healthcare provider. Never save antibiotics or take leftover antibiotics that were given to you for another illness.
  
  
• Pain medicine: You may need medicine to take away or decrease pain.
  
  
  • Learn how to take your medicine. Ask what medicine and how much you should take. Be sure you know how, when, and how often to take it.
    
    
  • Do not wait until the pain is severe before you take your medicine. Tell caregivers if your pain does not decrease.
    
    
  • Pain medicine can make you dizzy or sleepy. Prevent falls by calling someone when you get out of bed or if you need help.

Follow-up visit information:

Keep all appointments. Your caregiver may want to see you after 24 to 48 hours (1 to 2 days) to check whether your wound is improving with treatment. Write down any questions you may have. This way you will remember to ask these questions during your next visit.

Wound care:

Other health problems may make it easier for you to get infections. Regular visits to your caregiver may help you stay healthy. You may also do the following to help your wound heal:

• Avoid smoking cigars, pipes, and cigarettes. Smoking decreases the ability of new blood vessels to form on the wound. It also causes blood vessels to constrict (tighten). This decreases blood flow and oxygen going to the wound, and delays healing.
  
  
• Do not let your wounds get wet. Always keep your wounds clean and dry. When you are allowed to bathe or shower, carefully wash your wound with soap and water, or follow your caregivers orders. Afterwards, put on clean, new bandages. Change your bandages every time they get wet or dirty. Ask your caregiver for more information about wound care.
  
  
• Eat a variety of healthy foods including fruits, vegetables, breads, dairy products, meat, and fish. Eating healthy foods may help you heal faster. Vitamin C, found in oranges and other foods, helps wounds heal. You may need to take vitamin and mineral supplements (pills). If you have other medical conditions, you may need to follow a certain diet. Ask your caregiver if you should make changes to your diet.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have a fever.
  
  
• The inside of your wound is dark red or bright red.
  
  
• You have more swelling, redness, or pain in your wound.
  
  
• You have new drainage or a bad odor coming from the wound.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or treatment.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• The skin around your wound feels numb (has no feeling).
  
  
• You cannot move a joint located below or near your wound.
  
  
• You develop blisters, or your skin starts to shed (peel) or change color.
  
  
• You have trouble breathing all of a sudden.
  
  
• Your bandage becomes soaked with blood.
  
  
• Your pain is not gone even after taking medicine, or is getting worse very quickly.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Learn more about Wound Infection (Aftercare Instructions)