Most cuts and scrapes heal by themselves when they are cleaned and cared for. Sometimes bacteria enters a wound and causes an infection.
Causes of Wound Infections
The bacteria that causes an infection can come from your own skin, from your surroundings, or from the knife, piece of glass, or other object that punctured your skin. Foreign objects in a wound, such as splinters or grains of sand, increase the risk of infection.
When to See a Doctor for a Wound Infection
See a doctor if a wound shows any of the following signs of infection:
- Redness, warmth, and swelling around the wound
- Red streaks radiating from the wound
- Pus or a discharge
- Fever
- Increased tenderness or pain around the wound
- Discolored or dead tissue around the wound
- Enlarged lymph node in the neck, armpit, or groin near the wound
- The wound does not begin to heal, or takes longer than 10 days to heal.
- The wound scab increases in size.
- The wound develops a yellow crust.
- Pimples or blisters appear around the wound.
Puncture wounds might heal over on the surface, while an infection develops deep within the wound, causing pain and swelling.
People with the following conditions should seek immediate medical attention for a wound infection:
- Diabetes
- Peripheral arterial disease
- Impaired immune system
At Urgent Family Care in Knoxville, Tennessee we are here to help.
Treatment for Wound Infections
Your doctor will clean the infected area and prescribe medication to fight the infection. Persistent infections may require additional wound care treatment.
Treatment for wound infections is available now at Urgent Family Care in Knoxville.
DISCLAIMER: The information on this page is not intended to replace the advice of a physician. It is information that is generally available. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911.