Cuts, scrapes, and small skin punctures usually heal on their own. But when harmful bacteria or fungi seep into an open wound, it can cause an infection. Robert Skerker, MD, director of the Wound Care Center at Atlantic Health System, explains how to know when an infection is brewing.
“The body has a remarkable ability to repair damaged skin through a natural healing process,” says Dr. Skerker. “But when bacteria enter the body through an open wound, it interrupts this healing process, causing inflammation and damage to the surrounding tissue.”
Recognizing the early signs of infection is key to preventing more serious complications.
5 signs of an infected wound
- Redness and swelling
- Pain and tenderness
- Warmth around the wound
- Pus or discharge
- Fever or chills
“Pain and redness should encourage you to get to the doctor’s office for an antibiotic,” says Dr. Skerker. “But if you’re experiencing a fever and chills, you should head to an urgent care or emergency room. This could be a sign that the infection has spread beyond the local area and into the bloodstream.”
What to do when a wound is infected
While minor wounds typically heal within a few days to a couple of weeks, infected wounds often take longer to heal. Here’s what you can do if you think a wound is infected.
- Apply direct pressure to stop the bleeding using a clean paper towel or washcloth. Elevate the injury, if possible, and press hard to compress the wound. This helps clot the blood.
- Clean the wound with mild soap and water to remove dirt, bacteria, and debris. Do not soak it in water and avoid using harsh chemicals like hydrogen peroxide or iodine.
- Use an antibiotic ointment such as Bacitracin to prevent bacterial growth. Avoid using too much ointment because it can trap moisture and slow the healing process.
- Cover the wound with a sterile bandage for protection. Use a nonstick oil emulsion dressing and a pure cotton, absorptive gauze dressing. Change the dressings regularly.
“The dressing you choose is important,” says Dr. Skerker. “We often see older people who cut their leg on a car door or from a fall in the bathroom. They cover their wound with band aids, but their skin is so thin and frail the adhesive tends to rip the skin and aggravate the injury.”
When to see a doctor
If the infection doesn’t improve in a few days, or worsens, it’s time to talk to a doctor. Infections are usually resolved by oral antibiotics or by draining an abscess. More severe infections that spark fever or red streaks spreading from the wound need immediate medical attention. Dr. Skerker also explains that if an injury was caused by a rusty nail or piece of metal, a tetanus shot may be necessary.
“Some patients may be more prone to wound infections,” says Robert Roland, DO, section chief of infectious disease for Atlantic Health System.
“Examples would be patients with poorly controlled diabetes, cancer, or specific autoimmune diseases whose medications could alter their immune response. Certain wound types can also create a setting for a wound to become infected with less common organisms such as a dog, cat, or animal bite, a wound from a burn, or an infected wound from gardening, just to name a few.
Dr. Skerker adds, “There are nuances to wound care; it’s not always straightforward. We use an AI imaging tool that enables us to visualize 100,000 or more bacteria per square centimeter. This lets us detect infection at its earliest stages, so seeing an expert early is always your best bet.”
Related articles
