You may develop a wound from an injury, illness or surgery. Wounds create an entry point for bacteria to enter your body, which puts you at risk for infection.
Learning to spot the signs of infection allows for early intervention, so you can seek professional wound care and avoid long-term complications.
#1 Developing a Fever
It’s normal to experience a temporary rise in body temperature following an injury or surgery as your body’s immune system begins the healing process. Your immune system uses fever to fight bacteria and viruses because high body temperature creates a poor environment for infections to develop. But be mindful of a temperature exceeding 101° Fahrenheit as that may be a sign of infection. Consult your doctor if fatigue and loss of appetite accompany your fever.
#2 Drainage with Color or Odor
Wounds typically drain clear or slightly yellow fluid as they heal, but pus that has a darker color may mean infection. Pus is a byproduct of your immune system fighting an infection and occurs when bacteria, degenerating white blood cells and tissue debris get trapped under your skin.
Take note of discharge that is:
- Cloudy
- Tinged green, brown or dark yellow
- Odorous
#3 Redness and Swelling Around the Wound
Wounds trigger skin redness and swelling as an inflammatory response. Blood vessels release a transudate fluid that creates tissue inflammation to control bleeding and prevent infection.
Swelling around a wound filters bacteria, pathogens and damaged cells, allowing white blood cells and enzymes to fight infection. Some redness is also normal, but a deeper red color that expands from a wound, especially in streaks, is a sign of infection progression and will require immediate treatment.
#4 Warm to the Touch
You may notice a wound feels warmer than the surrounding skin. That heat is caused by vasoactive chemicals increasing blood flow to the wound. Your body’s immune system will also send lymphocytes to produce antibodies and phagocytes to eat dead bacteria. The warmth shouldn’t last more than a few days.
Preventing Wound Infection
A medical or wound care team will monitor the post-surgical healing process. They’re responsible for keeping wounds clean and dry and changing your dressings regularly to protect them from viruses and bacteria. You may require antibiotics to prevent infection as well.
Here are some tips for at-home wound care:
- Clean the wound with running water immediately following injury and dry it with a clean towel or cloth.
- Apply antiseptic ointment and cover it with bandages or gauze.
- Check the healing progress and change bandages daily.
- Always wash your hands before touching the wound to avoid contamination.
- Contact your doctor if the wound has not improved after two or three days or if you notice signs of infection.
Embassy Healthcare offers wound assessment and treatment to help you heal properly and avoid infection. Call 216-378-2050 or contact us online for more information.
