Is a Wound Infection Just Skin Deep?
A wound infection occurs when bacterial or viral germs enter various breaks in the body. The bacteria, then, attach to tissue preventing the breaks in the skin to stop the healing process. Wounds such as punctures, lacerations, incisions or burns become infected when the bacteria cause these openings to stop healing and remain accessible to more bacteria.
Deep ulcers, extensive burns and bite wounds are the more serious types of lacerations that are more prone to infection. The use of Vitamin C helps aid in the healing process. Vitamin C can be found in oranges and other various foods. It can also be taken as supplemental medication.
Signs and Symptoms of a Wound Infection
Predisposed conditions such as high blood pressure, tachycardia and fever are some of the symptoms of such an infection. Also discharge of pus leaking from wound area, swelling of the wound area that retains inflammation for more than five days and wounds that do not heal with use of treatment are a cause for concern. A wound that continuously causes pain, even when it should not is an indicator that you should contact your healthcare professional immediately
Diagnosis of a Wound Infection
Blood tests examine the blood to give your healthcare provider more information about a particular wound. Sometimes these tests require blood to be drawn from blood vessels located throughout the body more than one time.
Cultures and Samples: Fluids or small pieces of tissue are sampled from around the infected area and cultured in peatry dishes to determine what type of fighting agent (antibiotic) will be most effective in fighting the infection so that healing can recommence.
Imaging Techniques such as x-rays, Computed Tomography (CT) scans, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), and bone density scans help in determining what particular problem is preventing the healing process from occurring.
Treatment Options for a Wound Infection
Treatment depends on the severity, location and the number of areas infected as well as the length of time involved for healing to recommence.
Caring for a Wound Infection
Cleansing: Rinsing the sight of the incision with sterile water aids in the healing process. The use of Bacteriocidal or Bacteriostatic agents may be used to aid sterile water.
Debridgment: This technique is performed to clean and remove objects from the sight of the infection, dead skin, and tissue from the given area. Wet bandages may be used inside the wound and left to dry.
Other Treatment: Controlling diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and other underlying problems will help aid in preventing the infection from reaching more problematic stages. Please contact your healthcare provider in helping your body stay healthy.
