Be careful, recognize the signs

Wounds, especially those that are open, are at risk for infection with bacteria or dirt. If not treated immediately, wound infection can hinder the healing process and even cause various dangerous complications.

How can a wound become infected?

Wound infection can occur due to deposition of microorganisms from exposure to the external environment in the wound area. Microorganisms such as germs and bacteria then multiply and enter the wound.

These microorganisms can enter through several ways, including direct contact through:

• hands that have not been cleaned touch the wound,
• spread through contaminated air and settles in wounds, as well
• self-contamination from bacteria already present on the skin that has entered the wound.

The bacteria commonly associated with this condition are Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Streptococcus pyogenes, Enterococci, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Even though your wound tends to be minor, you should still be aware of the risk of infection. The reason is that if it is not treated immediately, the infection will cause dangerous problems such as tetanus, cellulitis, or sepsis.

Wounds are more likely to become infected if:

• resulting from punctures, such as nails or broken glass,
• wounds arising from human or animal bites,
• not cleaned or cared for immediately after it occurs,
• occurs in the hands, feet, armpits, or groin, as well
• have other conditions that aggravate the work of the immune system, such as diabetes.

The characteristics of an infected wound

If the wound is treated properly, it usually only takes 2-3 days to heal. It is different if it is infected, the intensity of the pain and redness will worsen and require a longer healing time.

Here are the signs you should look out for when the wound starts to become infected.

1. Pain that never goes away

Sometimes there are small sores that as soon as you realize it starts to hurt, however the pain will only last for a few moments.

However, if the sore doesn't go away and it gets even more torturous after a few hours, don't ignore it and immediately seek treatment because it could be a sign of an infected wound.

2. Redness appears around the wound

Actually, the redness around the wound is something normal. The reddish color can also be a sign of healing. However, you also have to be vigilant when the reddish areas on the skin actually widen rapidly.

3, Foul-smelling greenish discharge from the infected wound

In more severe cases, usually the wound is also followed by the appearance of a yellow or greenish streak. The discharge of this layer is not always a sign that the wound has been infected, there are some differences that must be recognized between the two.

If the coating is whitish yellow, it is granulation tissue, which is tissue that is formed during the wound healing process. Later the tissue will mature and replace the old skin.

Meanwhile, if the layer that comes out is greenish and smells bad, it means that the layer is pus which is a sign of infection.

4. Fever, dizziness, and weakness

Signs of infected wounds do not appear only around the skin, but in some cases they can also be followed by a feeling of unwell, sometimes accompanied by fever.

This can happen because when the infection spreads, your body will try to fight back which results in systemic symptoms such as fever and nausea.

If you experience these symptoms some time after being injured, you should immediately consult a doctor.

When the wound becomes infected, what should be done?

Treatment that is done depends on how severe your condition is. If the signs of infection that appear are still classified as mild symptoms such as a small reddish area at the corner of the wound, you can do the treatment yourself at home

The trick, first clean the wound with running water for a few minutes. Previously, you had to make sure that the hands and utensils used were clean.

If there are small debris such as dirt or gravel, use tweezers or rub the wound gently. Otherwise, if debris has entered the wound, you may need medical assistance.

The doctor will clean the wound and treat it using an antibiotic ointment or solution. Sometimes, doctors also give oral antibiotics (drink) to fight infection.

Sometimes, wound infection can also cause unbearable pain. When this happens, your doctor may prescribe pain medication such as ibuprofen.

Wounds will usually improve after proper cleaning, but if the infected wound doesn't get better or shows more severe symptoms from the start, consult a doctor immediately for immediate treatment.

Keep in mind, the methods above only apply to treating infections from minor wounds. You should see a doctor immediately if the wound is more severe and causes more bleeding.

How to prevent wounds from infection

Before a wound becomes infected, there are a number of things you can do to prevent it. Some of them include the following.

• Wash your hands before starting to clean the wound.
• Clean the wound immediately under running water and a mild soap.
• Cover the wound with a bandage, change it every day or when it starts to feel damp and dirty. Do not close the wound too tightly.
• If necessary, apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment to the wound.

If you still have questions about wound infection and its handling, consult your doctor for the best solution.