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.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

RISKS:

Having your wound treated may be very painful and put you at risk of bleeding. You may have an allergic reaction or develop kidney problems with long-term use of strong antibiotics. A scar may form on your skin as it heals. Sometimes, even with treatment, the infection is not completely treated or may come back. If left untreated, the infection may spread to other parts of the body. This may lead to loss of a body part, function, and may even be life-threatening. Talk with your caregiver if you are worried or have questions about your condition, treatment, or care.

WHILE YOU ARE HERE:

Informed consent:

A consent form is a legal document that explains the tests, treatments, or procedures that you may need. Informed consent means you understand what will be done and can make decisions about what you want. You give your permission when you sign the consent form. You can have someone sign this form for you if you are not able to sign it. You have the right to understand your medical care in words you know. Before you sign the consent form, understand the risks and benefits of what will be done. Make sure all your questions are answered.

IV:

An IV (intravenous) is a small tube placed in your vein that is used to give you medicine or liquids.

Medicines:

You may be given the following medicines:

• Antibiotics: This medicine is given to help treat or prevent an infection caused by bacteria.
  
  
• Medicines to treat pain, swelling, or fever: These medicines are safe for most people to use. However, they can cause serious problems when used by people with certain medical conditions. Tell caregivers if you have liver or kidney disease or a history of bleeding in your stomach.

Tests:

You may need any of the following:

• Blood tests: You may need blood taken to give caregivers information about how your body is working. The blood may be taken from your hand, arm, or IV.
  
  
• Imaging tests:
  
  
  • Bone scan: This is a test to look at your bones. You are given a small amount of dye through an IV, and pictures of your bones are taken. Caregivers can look at the pictures for broken bones, infections, and other problems.
    
    
  • Computed tomography scan: This test, also called CT scan, is used to take pictures of tissues using a special x-ray machine. This may be used to look near your wound at bones, muscles, blood vessels, and organs.
    
    
  • Magnetic resonance imaging: This test is also called an MRI. During the MRI, pictures of the tissues around your wound are taken. Caregivers use these pictures to look for other problems or infection in your bones or other tissues.
    
    
  • X-rays: These are pictures of your bones and tissues around your wound. This may be needed if the wound is near a joint or bone. Caregivers use the pictures to look for broken bones, other injuries, or objects stuck in the skin.
  
  
• Wound sampling and culture: This is when fluids or a small piece of tissue is taken from your wound. This sample is sent to the lab for tests. This helps caregivers learn what kind of infection you have and what medicine is best to treat it.

Treatment options:

You may have any of the following:

• Cleansing: This may be done by rinsing the wound with sterile (clean) water. Germ-killing solutions may also be used to clean your wound.
  
  
• Debridement: Debridement is done to clean and remove objects, dirt, or dead skin and tissues from the wound area. Caregivers may cut out the damaged areas in or around the wound. Wet bandages may be placed inside the wound and left to dry. Other wet or dry dressings may also be used. Caregivers may also drain the wound to clean out pus.

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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 (Inpatient Care)