A cut is an injured area of skin that can occur anywhere on the body. An infected cut happens when microorganisms enter the delicate tissues beneath the skin through the incision. Infections can appear anytime between two and three days following the cut until it has healed. To find out how to treat an infected cut with the right solutions from medical supply stores and other related factors, keep reading until the end.
How to Identify an Infected Cut
Cuts can be painful, but the pain typically subsides as they heal. When a wound or cut becomes infected, it becomes increasingly painful over time. The skin around the incision often turns red and may feel warm. Sometimes, the affected area will swell, and the infection may worsen.
You might also notice pus or a yellowish substance seeping from the wound. In severe cases, the infection can cause fever, aches, and an overall feeling of being unwell. These signs indicate that the disease has spread.
What is the Difference Between a Healing and an Infected Wound?
It can be challenging to determine if a wound is healing or becoming infected, especially if you haven’t encountered one before. Instead of quickly applying creams or bandages from medical equipment suppliers, try to identify the wound’s condition.
To differentiate between a healthy and an infected wound, check the wound drainage. If the wound produces any fluid with a bad smell and a yellowish color, it is likely infected. A healing wound typically leaks clear or pink fluid.
How to Take Care of an Infected Wound at Home
Every wound needs regular cleaning if you suspect a mild infection. Unsure where to start? Follow these step-by-step instructions to keep your infected wounds clean:
- Sanitize Tools: Sterilize the tip of the tweezers by rubbing cotton wool dipped in alcohol. Ensure all tools from medical equipment suppliers are clean.
- Wash Hands and Rinse Wound: Use warm water and soap to wash your hands and rinse the wound under running water.
- Clean Surrounding Skin: Use soapy water or an antibacterial wash to clean the skin around the wound.
- Remove Debris: Inspect the wound for any dirt or debris. Use sterile tweezers to remove them.
- Apply Antibiotic Ointment: Apply a thin coating of antibiotic ointment to prevent the spread of infection.
- Dress the Wound: Wrap the wound to keep it moist and protected. Change the dressing regularly and watch for signs of infection.
How to Understand the Wound is Healing: The 4 Primary Stages
- Hemostasis: The stage where the cut occurs on the skin or tissue.
- Inflammatory: The wound begins to heal during this stage.
- Proliferative: New tissue starts forming over the wound within a few weeks.
- Remodeling or Maturation: The longest phase, lasting 12 to 24 months, where the wound matures and may leave a scar.
What Factors Can Increase Your Risk for Infection?
Infected wounds can happen to anyone, but some factors increase the risk:
- Weakened immune system
- Diabetes
- Malnutrition
- Poor circulation
- Being overweight
- Reduced movement
- Poor hygiene
If you have any of these conditions, consult a doctor to prevent the infection from worsening.
Stop the Spread of Infection Using the Best Quality Medical Supplies
You may have the knowledge to handle a wound, but using bad-quality medical supplies can worsen the issue. This is when you should come to us at MedGuard, the leading medical supply store in the UK. With years of expertise in the industry, we are top wholesalers and retailers, offering products from both popular and in-house brands. All our products are approved, tested, and meet medical standards, available at highly reasonable prices. Additionally, we offer expert advice on various health topics, such as how to protect your child from viral infections, ensuring you have the knowledge and supplies to keep your family safe and healthy. Visit MedGuard for more information.
Source of this Article: How to Treat an Infected Cut at Home?
