Did you know that just minutes after sustaining an injury your body starts to heal itself? Germs and bacteria can find a way in and cause infection. Does it feel like your wound is taking forever to heal — even just a simple cut? If it has been more than 30 days, then there is probably something amiss.
Remember, all wounds, even the simple ones, can turn into a chronic wound over time. Make sure you keep your eye on your injury throughout the healing process. So, how do you tell if a wound is healing or infected? Below we take a look at various signs to look out for.
Often, right at the beginning of the healing process, your wound feels warm. This is because the white blood cells are fighting germs or bacteria. But, if the injury is feeling warm after the first five days, it may mean your body is fighting to keep bacteria and infection away.
But ask your doctor or a wound care nurse if massaging the wound is a good idea before you try it. If a deep or large wound gets infected, it can be a serious problem. Call your doctor or surgeon right away if any of these things happen:. There's good news about wound healing when you're a teen: Age is on your side because young bodies heal faster. It may be frustrating having to hold back on activities like sports while a wound heals. But if you take good care of yourself and follow your doctor's advice, it won't be long before the wound is a distant memory.
Larger text size Large text size Regular text size. Different Types of Wounds Most of us think of wounds happening because of accidents. Doctors and nurses start by evaluating a wound based on the risk of infection: "Clean" wounds — those that aren't contaminated with bacteria — have the lowest risk of infection, making them easier to care for. The incision a surgeon makes on a person's knee during ACL repair is likely to be a clean wound because the area is cleaned with an antibacterial solution before surgery — and it's in a place where there's a low risk of infection.
Dirty or infected wounds, like an abscess , a deep scrape or cut, or gunshot wound, are a different story. They need special treatment and monitoring to prevent infection. Closing Serious Wounds If a wound is clean, a doctor will close it by stitching the edges together in two separate layers. The Healing Process Before healing begins, the body gears up to protect against infection. Caring for Serious Wounds at Home Serious wounds don't heal overnight. In most cases, doctors will ask patients to: Keep the wound covered with a clean dressing until there's no more fluid draining from it.
A doctor or nurse will give you instructions on how to change your dressing and how often. Wait about days after surgery before showering. Because each case is different, ask your nurse or doctor what to do before you can shower again. Avoid soaking in the bathtub or swimming until your next doctor visit. More Pain. The wound has become very tender. More Swelling. Pain or swelling is increasing 48 hours after the wound occurred.
Swollen Node. The lymph node draining that area of skin may become large and tender. A fever occurs. The wound hasn't healed within 10 days after the injury.
An infection happens when bacteria, fungi, and other germs get into the wound before it fully heals. Signs of an infection include:. See your healthcare provider if you think you have an infected wound, no matter how small it is. This can be harmful and cause health complications. You may have an underlying condition that slows down healing. Treating and maintaining a chronic condition like diabetes can help skin wounds heal better. Some people with diabetes and other chronic conditions can get a skin ulcer from a small cut or wound on their feet or legs.
Wound healing happens in several stages. Your wound may look red, swollen, and watery at the beginning. This can be a normal part of healing. The wound may have a red or pink raised scar once it closes. The healing will continue for months to years after this. The scar will eventually become duller and flatter. Some health conditions can slow down or impair wound healing. Some people may get infections or have other healing complications. With diabetes, wounds tend to heal more slowly and progress more quickly.
In some cases, this can lead to severe complications. Here's what to know. An open wound is an injury involving an external or internal break in your body tissue, usually involving the skin. Nearly everyone will experience an…. Well, this one piece of folklore is actually true…. Debridement is a procedure that helps wounds heal by removing dead or infected tissue. There are several types of debridement, from using ointments….
Wound dehiscence occurs when a surgical incision reopens. Discover risk factors, tips to ensure proper healing, serious complications, and more. You can try to treat an infected wound with a few home remedies, but there comes a time when medical attention is needed. Paper cuts are common on parts of the body with a lot of nerve endings. This can make them quite painful, even if they're small.
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