WOUND INFECTION
Symptom Definition
- Traumatic wound (break in the skin) shows signs of infection
- Includes sutured wounds, puncture wounds, scrapes
- Most contaminated wounds become infected 24 to 72 hours after the initial break in the skin.
Signs of Wound Infection
- Pus or cloudy fluid draining from the wound
- Pimple or yellow crust formed on the wound (impetigo)
- Scab has increased in size
- Increasing redness around the wound (cellulitis)
- Red streak is spreading from the wound toward the heart (lymphangitis)
- Wound has become extremely tender
- Pain or swelling increasing after 48 hours since the wound occurred
- Wound has developed blisters or black dead tissue (gangrene and myonecrosis)
- Lymph node draining that area of skin may become large and tender (lymphadenitis)
- Onset of widespread bright red sunburn-like rash
- Onset of fever
- Wound hasn't healed within 10 days after the injury
See More Appropriate Topic (instead of this one) If
- Have stitches and wound is not infected, see SUTURE QUESTIONS
WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR FOR WOUND INFECTION
Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If
- You feel weak or very sick
- Bright red, sunburn-like rash on you body
- Fever occurs
- Red streak runs from the wound
- Increasing redness around the wound
- Severe pain in the wound
- Face wound with signs of infection
- Finger wound, where finger has sausage shaped swelling and pain
Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9 am and 4 pm) If:
- You think you need to be seen
- Pus or cloudy drainage from the wound
- Pimple where a stitch comes through the skin
- Wound becomes more tender after the 2nd day
Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If
- You have other questions or concerns
Self Care at Home If
- Wound doesn't look infected and you don't think you need to be seen
HOME CARE ADVICE FOR MILD REDNESS OF WOUND
- Warm Soaks or Local Heat: If the wound is open, soak it in warm water or put a warm wet cloth on the wound for 20 minutes 3 times per day. Use a warm saltwater solution containing 2 teaspoons of table salt per quart of water. If the wound is closed, apply a heating pad or warm, moist washcloth to the reddened area for 20 minutes 3 times per day.
- Antibiotic Ointment: Apply an antibiotic ointment 3 times a day. If the area could become dirty, cover with a Band-Aid or a clean gauze dressing.
-
Pain Medication: For pain relief, take acetaminophen every 4-6 hours
(e.g. Tylenol; adult dosage 650 mg) OR ibuprofen every 6-8 hours (e.g. Advil,
Motrin; adult dosage 400 mg).
- Do not take ibuprofen if you have stomach problems, kidney disease, are pregnant, or have been told by your doctor to avoid this type of anti-inflammatory drug. Do not take ibuprofen for more than 7 days without consulting your doctor.
- Do not take acetaminophen if you have liver disease.
- Read the package instructions thoroughly on all medications that you take.
- Expected Course: Pain and swelling normally peak on day 2. Any redness should go away by day 3 or 4. Complete healing should occur by day 10.
- Contagiousness: For true wound infections, you can return to work or school after any fever is gone and you have received antibiotics for 24 hours.
- Call Your Doctor If:
- Wound becomes more tender
- Redness starts to spread
- Pus, drainage or fever occurs
- You become worse or develop any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.
Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.
Adult SelfCareNavigator. Copyright © 2000-2005 David Thompson, M.D. FACEP
Reviewed 10/2005
Revised 8/2003
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