Wound infection - causes and signs of wound infection

There are the following types of wound infection:

• putrefactive - most often the causative agent is E. coli;
• specific - occurs when tuberculosis bacilli, tetanus microorganisms, antifungal fungi and anthrax bacilli appear;
• purulent - caused by meningococci, staphylococci, etc.;
• anaerobic - the causative agents are anaerobic microbes;
• mixed - caused by the penetration of bacteria from the above-mentioned groups into the wound cavity.

Causes

The main role in the occurrence of infection is played by the number of microorganisms that have penetrated the wound. Microbes find the environment they need to live there. Severe contamination, destroyed tissue, special blood supply conditions - all these are the main causes of infection. Complications arise if the victim has a weak immune system, the body's condition is worsened, there are malignant tumors. The patient's advanced age, poor nutrition and metabolic disorders have a negative effect. Negative factors are the origin and age of the wound.

Symptoms

The main signs of the inflammatory process are as follows:

• headache, weakness, nausea;
• elevated body temperature;
• redness in the area of injury;
• pulsating bursting pain;
• rapid pulse;
• swelling;
• clots of pus;
• decreased appetite;
• hyperemia of the edges of the wound;
• fever;
• chills;
• lethargy;
• abscess or phlegmon;
• hyperthermia;
• insomnia;
• heavy sweating;
• tachycardia.

Diagnostics

Recognition of infection consists in identifying signs of a negative healing period of wounds. If you suspect infection, you should immediately make an appointment with a surgeon. During the examination, a specialist will determine whether the patient has the following symptoms:

• traumatic edema;
• the skin has become bluish or pale;
• tissue ischemia;
• epidermal blisters have appeared;
• the patient's temperature has risen;
• pulsating pain in the damaged area.

All of the above symptoms indicate the occurrence of inflammation and require immediate measures to eliminate it.

The risk of inflammation is increased by a ruptured artery, the presence of foreign bodies in the wound, contamination with soil and late medical care.

The clinical picture can be clarified by such examination methods as ultrasound, X-ray and thermography. The accumulation of pus is best detected by ultrasound location.

Treatment

Involves the following actions:

• opening the area of inflammation;
• draining foci of pus;
• rinsing with antiseptic agents.

Proteolytic enzymes and sorbents are used during dressings. The wound must be reliably protected from accidental damage and re-infection. The patient must also pay great attention to improving immunity. If the wounds have been healing for a very long time and large scars have appeared in their place, a consultation with a dermatologist and subsequent skin grafting may be required.

Prevention

Prevention of wound infection is an integral part of preventive measures aimed at preventing injuries. It includes timely medical attention, as well as the application of an aseptic dressing. Good sanitation of the wound cavity with the removal of all dead tissue and subsequent thorough washing and drainage is necessary. With each dressing, all antiseptic rules must be strictly observed. The victim must take antibiotics and increase the body's resistance to the effects of harmful bacteria.