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Signs Of Injury Infection |
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Anytime the skin is broken, there is a possibility that infection will occur. Normally, the skin protects the body from the entry of infectious organisms. A cut in the skin, however, provides an opening through which infection-causing bacteria, viruses, and fungi can enter.
An infection may be localised, which means it develops only in one place on the body, or it may be systemic and spread throughout the body by the bloodstream. A localized infection may cause one or more of the following symptoms in the area of the broken skin: - skin that is warm or hot
- pain
- a pus-like discharge
- redness and
- swelling
In addition, fever and chills may accompany a localised infection. A minor, localised infection may appear pink and warm to the touch. Many minor, localised infections can be cared for at home and do not require a trip to the doctor. SELF-CARE FOR SYMPTOMS OF A MINOR, LOCALISED INFECTION INCLUDE: - wash the infected area daily with soap and water
- apply a disinfectant, such as Betadine to the infection twice a day
- cover the infected area lightly with a dry gauze bandage or a bandaid and
- inspect the infected area daily to check for signs of a more serious infection (These signs are increased redness, pain, swelling or pus.)
WITHOUT PROPER CARE, a localised infection can cause more serious problems, such as: - develop into a serious infection called "cellulitis" or
- become toxic and turn into a systemic infection
IF A LOCALISED INFECTION DEVELOPS INTO A SYSTEMIC INFECTION, ADDITIONAL SYMPTOMS DEVELOP INCLUDING: - fever
- shaking chills
- overall weakness and
- joint aches
If cellulitis (a serious local infection) develops, the skin around the wound will probably become raised, red, painful, and thickened in texture. SYMPTOMS OF CELLULITIS MAY INCLUDE: - swollen lymph nodes
- red streaks on the skin
- fever
- chills and
- shaking
SEE A DOCTOR IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING ANY OF THE SYMPTOMS OF A: - systemic infection
- cellulitis infection or
- localised infection that has not cleared up in 3 to 4 days
Systemic infections can be life-threatening and serious infections with other complications can result in serious tissue damage if left untreated. Article #4984 Copyright (c) 2002 McKesson. All Rights Reserved. |
