What to do if Your Wound is Infected?
We get wounds all the time. Most of the time they don’t get infected, but sometimes they do. Here at Easy Orthopedics in Colorado Springs we frequently see those with concerns of an infection.
If your wound is infected, proper care and prompt action can prevent complications. Here’s what you should do:
1. Assess the Severity of the Infection
- Mild Infection: Redness, slight swelling, or oozing that hasn’t spread significantly.
- Moderate to Severe Infection: Spreading redness, intense pain, significant swelling, pus, or fever.
2. Clean the Wound
- Gently wash the wound with mild soap and warm water.
- Rinse thoroughly to remove debris or bacteria.
- Pat dry with a clean towel.
3. Apply an Antiseptic or Antibiotic
- Use an over-the-counter antiseptic (e.g., hydrogen peroxide, Betadine) sparingly for the initial cleaning.
- Apply antibiotic ointment (e.g., Neosporin or Bacitracin) to prevent further infection.
4. Cover the Wound
- Use a sterile bandage or dressing to protect the wound and absorb drainage.
- Change the bandage daily or more often if it becomes wet or dirty.
5. Reduce Swelling and Pain
- Apply a warm compress for 15–20 minutes, several times a day, to promote blood flow and drainage.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help reduce pain and inflammation.
6. Avoid Picking or Squeezing
- Do not attempt to drain pus by squeezing the wound, as this can spread the infection deeper into tissues.
7. Watch for Signs of Worsening Infection
- Spreading redness or warmth.
- Increasing pain or swelling.
- Fever, chills, or other systemic symptoms.
- Red streaks extending from the wound (a sign of spreading infection).
8. Seek Medical Attention
- If the infection doesn’t improve within 24–48 hours, or if symptoms worsen.
- For severe cases (e.g., significant pus, fever, or spreading infection), a doctor may need to:
- Drain the wound.
- Prescribe oral or topical antibiotics.
- Remove dead tissue (debridement).
When to Go to the Emergency Room
- Red streaks spreading from the wound.
- High fever, chills, or confusion.
- Signs of sepsis (rapid breathing, low blood pressure, or mottled skin).
How do you know if a wound infection is serious?
A wound infection may be serious if it shows specific symptoms indicating that the infection is spreading or affecting deeper tissues and systems. Here are the signs to watch for:
Key Indicators of a Serious Wound Infection
1. Spreading Redness
- Redness that extends outward from the wound (sometimes in streaks) is a warning sign of spreading infection.
2. Severe Swelling or Pain
- Increasing pain or swelling that does not improve with basic care.
- Pain disproportionate to the size of the wound.
3. Pus or Foul-Smelling Discharge
- Thick, yellow, green, or foul-smelling discharge is a sign of bacterial infection.
4. Fever or Chills
- A fever (above 100.4°F / 38°C) indicates the infection may have entered the bloodstream or is becoming systemic.
5. Warmth Around the Wound
- Skin that feels hot to the touch in a large area around the wound.
6. Delayed Healing
- The wound isn’t closing or shows signs of deteriorating over time.
7. Red Streaks
- Red lines radiating outward from the wound are a sign of lymphangitis (infection of the lymphatic system).
8. Swollen Lymph Nodes
- Tender or swollen lymph nodes near the wound (e.g., in the groin, armpits, or neck).
9. Systemic Symptoms
- Fatigue, weakness, nausea, or a sense of being very unwell.
- Rapid heart rate or breathing.
10. Black or Necrotic Tissue
- Dead tissue around the wound (black, brown, or gray areas) indicates tissue death and requires immediate medical attention
Should you go to the ER for a wound infection?
Seek emergency care if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Spreading Infection:
- Red streaks radiating from the wound (a sign of lymphatic spread).
- Increasing redness, warmth, and swelling that spreads rapidly.
- Severe Symptoms:
- Fever (above 100.4°F / 38°C) or chills.
- Severe or worsening pain around the wound.
- Pus or thick, foul-smelling discharge.
- Systemic Signs of Infection (Sepsis):
- Rapid heart rate or breathing.
- Confusion, disorientation, or difficulty staying awake.
- Low blood pressure or a feeling of extreme weakness.
- Mottled or discolored skin, particularly on fingers or toes.
- Dead or Black Tissue (Necrosis):
- The wound shows signs of tissue death, which may indicate a severe infection like necrotizing fasciitis.
- Delayed Healing:
- The wound is getting worse, not healing, or has reopened.
- Underlying Risk Factors:
- You have diabetes, a weakened immune system, or other conditions that make infections more dangerous.
When to See a Doctor (Urgent Care or Primary Care)
If the infection is not life-threatening but shows the following signs, visit your doctor or an urgent care center:
- Persistent swelling, redness, or pain.
- Moderate pus or drainage.
- A mild fever without other serious symptoms.
- Wound edges that appear inflamed or separating.
Self-Care for Mild Infections
If the wound shows only minor redness or discomfort:
- Clean it thoroughly with soap and water.
- Apply an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment.
- Keep it covered and monitor closely for worsening symptoms.
Why the ER is Important for Serious Infections
In the ER, medical professionals can:
- Drain abscesses or infected wounds.
- Provide intravenous (IV) antibiotics for severe infections.
- Conduct tests to rule out systemic issues like sepsis or bone infections (osteomyelitis).
If you’re unsure, it’s better to err on the side of caution and seek medical attention
I hope we were able to answer some of your questions about what to do if your wound is infected. If you would like us to evaluate you, and are in the Colorado area, contact us below to make an appointment at Easy Orthopedics.
