It’s Wound Care month and as part of our ongoing series, we wanted to educate our community about infections and how to prevent them.
In our previous article, we mentioned that infection is one of the reasons a wound may not heal. Bacteria or other harmful pathogens can get in your wound, preventing the healing process. Not only can this be painful, but it can be fatal in some cases. Look out for these signs and take the necessary steps below to prevent infection.
Signs and Symptoms
- Redness and Swelling – streaks around the wound
- Fluid drainage – Green or cloudy fluid with a strong and foul smell
- Fever – Over 101
- Pain – Increasing pain or sensitivity from the wound
- Heat – Hot skin around wound
Prevention
Wash Your Hands
Before treating your wound, you must wash your hands or you risk adding additional germs to the wound. Follow these techniques for proper hand washing:
- Wash for at least 20 seconds from wrist down using warm water and antibacterial soup
- Rinse well under water
- Dry with clean towels
- Reduce touching any other surface prior to handling the wound
Wash the Wound
After washing your hands, you can treat the wound, but follow these tips:
- Use gloves
- Keep other possible infectants way from the wound such as urine, tools or other drainage
- Keep nails short and remove jewelry
- Wash the wound with soap and water
Apply Antibiotic Ointment
Apply either over the counter ointment or prescribed ointment as directed by your physician. If using over the counter medication, use antibacterial agents around the wound to prevent dryness and irritation
Cover wounds with a bandage or gauze dressing.
Keep your wound covered with a bandage or gauze at all times to protect from germs and bacteria. Note the following tips:
- Keep dressing supplies in a sterile location and away from heat
- Dispose of used supplies carefully by wrapping them tightly in plastic and closing your trash lide
- Keep the wound dry and clean for 24 hours
- Change the dressing daily by repeating the above steps
Take Antibiotics
If your physician prescribed antibiotics, it is critical to take as directed, all the way to completion. If you stop too soon, you may develop a strain infection that is resistant to that antibiotic. If you experience side effects, contact your physician.
Following the above steps will prevent your wound from infection. Monitor your wound closely by looking for the signs stated above, and you’ll be on the road for a speedy recovery.
