About this topic
A wound is an area of skin that is cut or broken. A surgical wound is a cut in the skin from a procedure. Any wound or break in the skin gives germs easy access and you may get an infection. This infection can start at any time from 2 to 3 days to 2 to 3 weeks after the break in the skin. The infection may spread deeper in the body if it is not treated. You will start to feel unwell and serious health problems may happen. An infection may also cause a wound to open up again. ‚
What are the causes?
Wound infections are caused by germs. ‚
What can make this more likely to happen?
These things may raise your chances of getting an infection. ‚
- Personal facts like:
- Poor nutritional status
- Smoking or use of tobacco products
- Being overweight
- Being older
- Conditions like:
- Diabetes and not taking your drugs regularly
- Other infected wounds
- Weak immune system like in HIV, chemotherapy, and transplant patients
- Being paralyzed or having problems moving
- Procedures or drugs like:
- Long-term use of steroids
- Use of contraceptive pills
- Long stay in the hospital
- An abdominal surgery
- An emergency surgery
- Surgery that lasted more than 2 hours
What are the main signs?
An infected wound may be red, raised, and warm to touch. It may also be sore when you touch it. You may have a fever or flu-like signs. The wound may have drainage or a foul smell. Sometimes, the wound opens up. ‚
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your doctor will ask you questions and do an exam. The doctor may take a sample of the fluid from the wound to see what germ is causing the problem. The doctor may order: ‚
- Lab tests
- Ultrasound
- X-ray
- MRI or CT scan
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
You may need to have the wound cleaned and infected tissue or fluid removed. Other times, you will need to take antibiotics. You may need to have these antibiotics through an IV if you have a serious infection. More surgery may be needed. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
- Fight an infection
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Wash your hands before you touch your wound or dressing. Anyone who touches your dressing should wash their hands before and after.
- Tell your doctor right away if you see signs of infection or if you feel ill.
- Talk to your doctor and learn how to care for your cut site. Ask your doctor about:
- When you should change your bandages
- When you may take a bath or shower
- If your doctor prescribes drugs for infection, you need to take the drug as directed until the drug is gone.
Where can I learn more?
New Zealand Dermatologic Society ‚
http://www.dermnetnz.org/bacterial/wound-infection.html ‚
Last Reviewed Date
2015-12-07 ‚
List_set bdysylist
- Dermatologic
- Infectious Disease
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care provider 's advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2016 Wolters Kluwer Clinical Drug Information, Inc. and its affiliates and/or licensors. All rights reserved. ‚