An open cut, puncture, or surgical opening exposes the inner layers of the skin to bacteria and other infection-causing organisms. If these organisms enter the body, they may multiply and cause unusual reactions around the wound bed.
Recognizing and catching the infection in its initial stages helps medical professionals select appropriate treatment. If you notice any of the below-mentioned signs, the wound could be infected.
Usually, there is redness around a fresh wound which is a normal part of the body's natural healing response. This redness does not cause much pain and disappears in a few days as the wound heals. However, be sure to keep a close watch on the area to see if the redness is increasing. If it does, this might be a sign of an infection.
Naturally, an injury would hurt. Once you start treatment, the medication should gradually ease the pain. As the wound heals, pain medication will become unnecessary. But if pain increases and medication does not help, you should reach out to your doctor as it may be a sign of an infection.
It is common for a wound to have clear or yellow-colored drainage. But if you see a continuous discharge that is green or tan in color and has a foul smell, this might be because of infection.
After surgery, the patient might have a normal fever that disappears in a few days. But if the fever persists or comes back, it might indicate an infection.
If a patient is feeling tired and has little energy, it might signify something unusual is happening in the body. Keep track of energy levels and if there are regular fluctuations or no signs of improvement, consult your doctor.
Proper wound healing may include some swelling in or around the affected area. But if the swelling is increasing and spreading beyond the affected area, it might be due to an infection.
As a part of the body’s natural response, it is natural to feel some warmth in the affected area. But if it continues and the wound bed becomes hotter than usual, it might indicate that the body is preparing to fight infection.
A doctor will usually advise keeping the injured area steady and avoiding frequent movement of that part. This helps the wound to heal faster. But if you notice major difficulties or discomfort in moving the wounded area, reach out to your doctor for help.
Here are the top-selling products from HPFY that may help you with wound management -
FSA Approved
Designed to give a complete view of the wound, this transparent dressing can be used to treat pressure ulcers and superficial partial-thickness wounds, to cover IV sites, and post-tattoo application and removal. It protects the wound from external disease-causing bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms.
FSA Approved
Suitable for medium to high exuding wounds such as leg and foot ulcers, pressure ulcers, partial thickness burns, etc. It manages and absorbs exudate efficiently, even under compression.
FSA Approved
Formulated with a surfactant-based solution, the Skintegrity cleanser penetrates the wound bed and goes deep into the crevices and pockets for effective cleaning. The spray bottle design helps to deliver the solution in mist or stream form.
FSA Approved
A clear, isotonic liquid that facilitates mechanical cleansing and removal of dirt and debris from the wound. It contains a broad-spectrum anti-microbial agent that protects against infection.
FSA Approved
Suitable for bandaging head, limbs, and difficult-to-dress wounds, this bandage roll provides fast wicking action, excellent aeration, and exudate absorption. The finished edges reduce loose ends and lint.
If your body does not respond positively to treatment and displays any signs mentioned above, this may be an indication that bacteria or other disease-causing organisms have entered the wound and an infection is present. If this happens, seek medical help immediately to stop the infection from growing.
Disclaimer: All content found on our website, including images, videos, infographics, and text were created solely for informational purposes. Our reviewed content should never be used for the purpose of diagnosis or treatment of any medical conditions. Content shared on our websites is not meant to be used as a substitute for advice from a certified medical professional. Reliance on the information provided on our website as a basis for patient treatment is solely at your own risk. We urge all our customers to always consult a physician or a certified medical professional before trying or using a new medical product.
Akanksha Nigam has been a Health Products For You contributor since 2021. With a Masters Degree in Finance, she began her Marketing career in the banking industry. However, her interest in human ...
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