Signs Of Injury Infection

Anytime the skin is broken, there is a possibility that an infection will happen. Normally, the skin protects the body from allowing infectious organisms to enter. A cut in the skin, however, provides an opening through which infection-causing bacteria, viruses, and fungi can enter.

An infection may be localized, 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 localized infection.

A minor, localized infection may appear pink and warm to the touch. Many minor, localized infections can be cared for at home and do not require a trip to the healthcare provider.

Self-care for symptoms of a minor, localized infection include:

• wash the infected area daily with soap and water

• apply a disinfectant, such as Bactine to the infection 2 or 3 times each 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 localized 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 localized 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 healthcare provider if you are experiencing any of the symptoms of a:

• systemic infection

• cellulitis infection or

• localized 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.

Infections of the face (especially around the eyes) or infections in young children, the elderly, or someone who has an underlying medical condition should be seen by a healthcare provider. This is because:

• the face provides many openings through which infectious organisms can gain access to vital organs (such as the brain)

• an eye infection can cause permanent eye damage and vision loss

• young children, the elderly, and people with underlying medical conditions may be more likely to develop complications of infection and

• people with an immune problem (such as diabetes, blood disorders, kidney failure, and HIV/AIDS) can have worsening infections with little or no signs and symptoms

To avoid infection, follow these guidelines:

• keep hands clean

• do not pick at sores or blemishes

• wash any cut or scratch with soap and water and

• place a bandage over the area to keep germs out (do not bandage injuries too tightly)

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