Open Wound Infection Symptoms and Its Treatment Remedies

Facts about an Open Wound Infection

Infection will happen when bacteria enter the wound. Clostridium and staph bacteria are some of the most common causes. More than one kind or type of bacteria can cause an infection at one time.
There are five kinds of open wounds that can get infected and these are abrasions, incisions, lacerations, punctures, and avulsions.
Types of infection include cellulitis infection, gangrene, lymphangitis and necrotizing subcutaneous infection. Each of these has its own set of symptoms.
Healing involves three phases and these are the inflammatory phase, proliferative phase, and the remodeling phase.
This can be diagnosed by using blood tests, imaging tests, and wound culture and sampling.

Draining of yellowish or greenish substance.
Skin around the wound will appear red, swollen, warm, tender, and very painful.
Red streaking of the skin around the wound which would indicate the infection is in the bloodstream.
Scab becomes enlarged.
Failure to heal within ten days
Discoloration of the tissues
Death or decay of the tissues
Discoloration of the skin
Sudden pain
Decrease in blood pressure
Fever and chills
Rapid beating of the heart or palpitations.
Paling of the skin around the wound.
Wound turns black.
Leaking out of a reddish brown substance that smells foul.
Color changes of the tissues from pale to dusky to extensively discolored as the infection worsens.

Stop the bleeding by allowing direct yet gentle pressure on the wound for around ten minutes. When this process does not stop the bleeding or when blood is coming out rapidly, it is best for patients to be brought to the hospital for proper care. Raising the wound above the heart can also be done to stop bleeding. Ice pack can be applied to constrict blood vessels.
Prevention measures include washing the wound immediately with soap and water for up to ten minutes. It is also recommended to soak the wound in water with soap for fifteen minutes. Hydrogen peroxide along with povidone-iodine can also be used to clean the wound and patients should make sure that debris or foreign particles will be wiped out by gently rubbing clean cloth into it. Then make sure to cover it with a sterilized bandage after application of an antibacterial cream.
Application of natural remedies directly to the wound such as turmeric powder, minced onions, honey, and garlic juice.
Doctors will give antibiotics that can be taken orally along with drugs that control swelling, pain, and other symptoms. Tetanus shots are often administered.
Sutures. This can be applied when the wounds are deep and wide.
Surgery may be needed if there are problems in the blood vessels.
Change in lifestyle. Special diet loaded with vitamin c and quitting use of cigarettes are recommended.