How to Properly Care for an Infected Cut at Home

A cut is an injured area of skin that can occur anywhere on the body. An infected cut happens when microorganisms enter the delicate tissues beneath the skin through the incision. Infections can appear anytime between two and three days following the cut until it has healed. To find out how to treat an infected cut with the right solutions from medical supply stores and other related factors, keep reading until the end.

How to Identify an Infected Cut

Cuts can be painful, but the pain typically subsides as they heal. When a wound or cut becomes infected, it becomes increasingly painful over time. The skin around the incision often turns red and may feel warm. Sometimes, the affected area will swell, and the infection may worsen.

You might also notice pus or a yellowish substance seeping from the wound. In severe cases, the infection can cause fever, aches, and an overall feeling of being unwell. These signs indicate that the disease has spread.

What is the Difference Between a Healing and an Infected Wound?

It can be challenging to determine if a wound is healing or becoming infected, especially if you haven’t encountered one before. Instead of quickly applying creams or bandages from medical equipment suppliers, try to identify the wound’s condition.

To differentiate between a healthy and an infected wound, check the wound drainage. If the wound produces any fluid with a bad smell and a yellowish color, it is likely infected. A healing wound typically leaks clear or pink fluid.

How to Take Care of an Infected Wound at Home

Every wound needs regular cleaning if you suspect a mild infection. Unsure where to start? Follow these step-by-step instructions to keep your infected wounds clean:

  1. Sanitize Tools: Sterilize the tip of the tweezers by rubbing cotton wool dipped in alcohol. Ensure all tools from medical equipment suppliers are clean.
  2. Wash Hands and Rinse Wound: Use warm water and soap to wash your hands and rinse the wound under running water.
  3. Clean Surrounding Skin: Use soapy water or an antibacterial wash to clean the skin around the wound.
  4. Remove Debris: Inspect the wound for any dirt or debris. Use sterile tweezers to remove them.
  5. Apply Antibiotic Ointment: Apply a thin coating of antibiotic ointment to prevent the spread of infection.
  6. Dress the Wound: Wrap the wound to keep it moist and protected. Change the dressing regularly and watch for signs of infection.

How to Understand the Wound is Healing: The 4 Primary Stages

Following the above steps can help the wound heal. However, it can be difficult to determine if the wound is healing. Look for the four primary stages of wound healing:

  1. Hemostasis: The stage where the cut occurs on the skin or tissue.
  2. Inflammatory: The wound begins to heal during this stage.
  3. Proliferative: New tissue starts forming over the wound within a few weeks.
  4. Remodeling or Maturation: The longest phase, lasting 12 to 24 months, where the wound matures and may leave a scar.

What Factors Can Increase Your Risk for Infection?

Infected wounds can happen to anyone, but some factors increase the risk:

  • Weakened immune system
  • Diabetes
  • Malnutrition
  • Poor circulation
  • Being overweight
  • Reduced movement
  • Poor hygiene

If you have any of these conditions, consult a doctor to prevent the infection from worsening.

Stop the Spread of Infection Using the Best Quality Medical Supplies

You may have the knowledge to handle a wound, but using bad-quality medical supplies can worsen the issue. This is when you should come to us at MedGuard, the leading medical supply store in the UK. With years of expertise in the industry, we are top wholesalers and retailers, offering products from both popular and in-house brands. All our products are approved, tested, and meet medical standards, available at highly reasonable prices. Additionally, we offer expert advice on various health topics, such as how to protect your child from viral infections, ensuring you have the knowledge and supplies to keep your family safe and healthy. Visit MedGuard for more information.


Source of this Article: How to Treat an Infected Cut at Home?

Location: Ireland

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

What Are The Symptoms Of Trouble Breathing?

 For some, breathing can be challenging every day. This breathing problem makes you feel very uncomfortable, whether doing something active or just sitting. Do you struggle to breathe, too? This problem can scare people, but try calming and using relaxation techniques. If you often have trouble catching your breath, don't ignore it – see a doctor. Remember, breathing problems can happen suddenly, so it's wise to have respiratory care products on hand. If you're wondering whether you should buy them, think about how you feel. If you're struggling to breathe, having these products is essential. Symptoms of Breathing Difficulty Not sure if you should get breathing care products? If you notice these signs, it's a good idea to get them: Breathing faster than expected. Seeing blue around your mouth, inside your lips, or on your fingernails. Your skin looks pale or gray. Making a grunting noise when you breathe out. Sweating on your head without feeling hot. Le
Read more

Which Blood Test Accurately Measures Cholesterol Levels?

 Paying attention to your cholesterol is crucial, as ignoring it can lead to severe problems like heart attacks or strokes. Sometimes, there are no apparent symptoms to indicate high cholesterol levels. Why is Testing for Cholesterol Important? If you're concerned about your health and curious about your cholesterol levels, knowing how to monitor them is essential. Here's what you need to know. How to Know Your Cholesterol Level Accurately? Since high cholesterol can cause heart problems, testing for it is vital. A lipid profile blood test is the most reliable way to get this information. In this test, a nurse draws a small amount of blood from your arm or finger into a tube or vial for analysis. This test looks at different types of cholesterol and fats in your blood, including: Total cholesterol LDL (bad) cholesterol HDL (good) cholesterol Non-HDL cholesterol Triglycerides It's wise to check your cholesterol every 4 to 6 years, regardless of symptoms. If you&
Read more

Why is a Littmann Stethoscope Better Than Any Other?

  In the medical industry, high-quality and trustworthy diagnostic tools are essential. When it comes to diagnostic tools, Littmann Stethoscopes appear as the top choice of many healthcare professionals. Being a trusted brand, they have become the industry leaders because of their innovative technology, excellent acoustic and appealing design.  Before making the purchase, if you compare them with others - the difference can be felt yourself. However, before that, let's take a deep dive into why these stethoscopes are the best choice over others .  What are Littmann Stethoscopes? Littmann Stethoscopes was first invented in the year of 1960's. It is a major transformation that was brought by Dr. David Littmann as he was aware of the importance of a great quality stethoscope.  When he created the instrument, he included many features to it including an open chest piece, tubing with springs, a plastic diaphragm and many more. Ever since the invention, it changed the dynamics in th
Read more