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.

AFTER YOU LEAVE:

Medicines:

• Keep a list of your medicines: Keep a written list of the medicines you take, the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list of your medicines or the pill bottles when you see your caregivers. Do not take any medicines, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbs, or food supplements without first talking to caregivers.
  
  
• Take your medicine as directed: Always take your medicine as directed by caregivers. Call your caregiver if you think your medicines are not helping or if you feel you are having side effects. Do not quit taking your medicines until you discuss it with your caregiver. 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 caregiver. Keep taking this medicine until it is completely gone, even if you feel better. Stopping antibiotics without your caregiver's OK may make the medicine unable to kill all of the germs. Never "save" antibiotics or take leftover antibiotics that were given to you for another illness.
  
  
• Pain medicine: You may be given medicine to take at home to take away or decrease pain. Your caregiver will tell you how much to take and how often to take it. Take the medicine exactly as directed by your caregiver. Do not wait until the pain is too bad before taking your medicine. The medicine may not work as well at controlling your pain if you wait too long to take it. Tell caregivers if the pain medicine does not help, or if your pain comes back too soon.

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.

For more information about wound infections contact the following:

• American Academy of Family Physicians
  PO Box 11210
  Shawnee Mission, KS 66207-1210
  Phone: 1-913-906-6000
  Web Address: http://www.aafp.org
  

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have a fever (increased body temperature).
  
  
• 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.

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

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.

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