What makes a wound infected?
Under normal conditions, the surface of the skin will be protected with a thin layer of acid secreted by the sebaceous glands. It is this acid mantle that will help regulate the pH of the skin while nourishing the beneficial microflora on the skin. These beneficial microorganisms will inhibit and prevent pathogens from entering the body. Therefore, when the skin is not damaged, the body will not form inflammatory reactions.
However, when the skin structure is damaged, any microorganisms that have resided on the skin can be considered as the cause of infection. Along with that, from the environment outside the pathogens will also have the opportunity to penetrate inside. Depending on the location and severity of the wound, infection can occur if the care for an infected wound is not done properly. The most common bacterial strain that causes infection is staphylococcus aureus.
When an infection is possible, the body’s immune system will be activated and symptoms such as:
- The wound hurts a lot
- The wound is red and swollen
- The wound has a hard callus in place
- Wounds bleed a lot of pus / fluid is green, yellow … appear more smelly / unpleasant stench
- Patients with high fever/difficulty lowering fever
In the case of chronic wounds / in the background of a weakened patient, signs of infection are often more difficult to detect. Patients will usually have some of the following symptoms that are not prominent:
- Anorexia, fatigue, lethargy
- In diabetic patients, blood sugar control is not controlled
Steps to take care of infected wounds
Disinfect the wound
When caring for an infected wound, disinfecting the wound is the step to clean and kill bacteria – the main cause of infection. Using a strong enough antiseptic solution will help solve the infection on the skin. For infected lesions that are not too serious, an antiseptic solution will be a quick – safe and effective solution.
However, most of the current disinfectant solutions cannot meet that requirement. Most of them still have many disadvantages that are difficult to overcome:
- The antibacterial property is not strong enough, cannot destroy the bacterial biofiml membrane.
- Short duration of action, will lose effect immediately after stopping disinfection.
- Causes stinging, burning, pain when used.
- Injuries to granulation tissue, slows wound healing.
Therefore, patients should consult a doctor to choose an effective antiseptic solution, suitable for wounds on the skin.
Bandage
Wound dressings are a way to create a temporary barrier to help shield and prevent foreign objects from penetrating deeper. This is also considered a hemostatic measure for deep wounds, when the natural clotting process is not enough to stop bleeding.
Infected wound care should be covered with a bandage so that the wound is protected. However, the wound dressing needs to adhere to a few principles:
- Bandages and gauze must be absolutely sterile.
- The bandage should not be too tight, to avoid creating conditions for anaerobic bacteria to grow and cause pain to the patient.
- Change the dressing frequently, at least once a day.
- If you find that the bandage is firmly attached to the wound, wet it to soften it and pull it out slowly with physiological saline. If the dressing is changed too vigorously, it can cause further injury and bleeding.
The most appropriate, optimal dressing is recommended as a hydrocolloid dressing.
Use antibiotics as prescribed (if needed).
When the wound has signs of systemic infection such as: high fever > 38.5°C, wound swelling – pain – a lot of pus, rapid heart rate, the patient should go to the nearest medical facility for examination and advice. use antibiotics. Antibiotics will help better control the infection in the whole body, preventing serious complications that can occur. Depending on the condition of the wound, the doctor will prescribe antibiotics by injection / oral route to be most effective.
When using the drug, patients need to strictly follow the dosage and use method to achieve the best effect, to prevent side effects. Absolutely do not use antibiotics indiscriminately or grind antibiotic powder to sprinkle on open wounds.
Caring for fast-healing infected wounds
Use a cream to restore and regenerate the skin
When the wound is dry and astringent, eliminating signs of infection, new skin structures will be regenerated fastest if at the right humidity. Therefore, the use of extra cream at this stage plays an important role to promote faster wound healing. You can find out for yourself or ask your doctor to prescribe a safe and effective drug
Appropriate diet
Diet will also greatly affect the body’s natural wound healing process. Some foods, when used, may cause the wound to swell / fester such as water spinach, chicken, sticky rice, chicken, seafood. Beef will easily form scars (according to folk experience). During the healing period, the patient should limit the use of these foods.
Life mode
A scientific lifestyle will help improve the body’s immune system.
- Eat nutritious food, sleep on time.
- Keep your mind at ease, remove pressure.
- Do not drink alcohol, smoke
- Do not use stimulants too much: alcohol, beer ….
