Even with the best care, wounds can become infected. When this happens, it’s important to act quickly to reduce the risk of further damage and to aid recovery. Simply put, an inflamed wound is a reaction of the body to harmful microorganisms or bacteria.
Wounds that are just healing are usually more susceptible to inflammation because the skin is weakened and lacks the natural moisture that keeps bacteria at bay. It is therefore important that you take all possible measures to prevent infection.
Inflamed wounds usually present with redness, warmth, and swelling at the wound site, as well as pain, discharge, and itching. If you think your wound may have become infected, read on to learn what to do in these cases:
Change the bandage regularly
If your wound becomes infected, the first thing to do is to check the dressing you are using. If the bandage is very dirty, wet, or has a build-up of bacteria, you need to change it more regularly. It’s also important to know that the type of dressing you use can affect the speed of healing; for example, the material and pressure of the dressing can cause irritation and delay healing.
For this reason, it is advisable to have a selection of different types of dressings on hand so that you can select the most suitable dressing for your wound depending on its size and healing progress.
Wash your wound with mild soap and water
As soon as you notice signs of inflammation, you should wash the wound. This will remove dirt and bacteria that could be causing the infection to get worse. For a clean wound, it is best to use warm water and mild, unscented soap. Avoid harsh soaps, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, and iodine as these can irritate the wound and delay healing.
Remember that every wound needs air to heal. So rinse the wound thoroughly so that no soap residue is left behind. Dry the wound with a clean, soft cloth. After washing the wound, it is advisable to apply an antibiotic cream or ointment to prevent bacteria from entering the wound and causing inflammation.
Use antibiotic cream or ointment for inflammation
If the wound has become infected, it is likely that the bacteria present are sensitive to one or more antibiotics, or drugs used to fight infection. Therefore, it is common to treat a wound infection with an antibiotic cream or ointment. You can find antibiotic creams and ointments in pharmacies and supermarkets. They are usually available in tubes and can be applied to the wound by hand.
Have the wound examined by a doctor
Wounds that become infected can be very painful and slow to heal. If you get symptoms, it could be a bacterial infection. In these cases, you should see a doctor as soon as possible.
In addition to treating the inflamed wound, your doctor will also prescribe antibiotics to prevent the infection from spreading. For a mild infection, your doctor may suggest home care, where you self-administer the appropriate antibiotics. In these cases, your doctor will prescribe the type and dosage of antibiotics that are most appropriate for your wound.
However, if the infection is severe, your doctor will likely refer you to a hospital for immediate treatment. In these cases, it’s best to get to the hospital as soon as possible, as infections can be life-threatening if left untreated.
Conclusion on inflammation in a wound
Wounds are common injuries that affect everyone at some point in life. While they may be annoying, they can usually be cured with proper care. However, if a wound becomes infected, it can be a sign that you haven’t cared for it properly. Fortunately, this is usually easy to fix.
Changing the dressing regularly, washing the wound with mild soap and water, and applying an antibiotic cream or ointment can help prevent many infections. In addition, you should see a doctor if you notice any signs of a bacterial infection
