After suffering a wound, wound infection may occur in the wound area. In the past, all forms of wound infections were also called gangrene. If a wound infection could not be prevented in time, this infection usually requires targeted therapeutic treatment.
What is a wound infection?
An open wound should be disinfected and rinsed with water. A tetanus vaccination should always be renewed in this context. In medicine, a wound infection is spoken of when a wound becomes infected due to invading microorganisms. Such a wound infection is usually manifested, for example, by an inflammatory process in the wound area. A wound infection is assigned to the so-called wound healing disorders. In particular, wounds in which there has been extensive tissue loss (as can happen, for example, as a result of severe burns or as a result of dog bites) are susceptible to the occurrence of a wound infection. This is partly due to the fact that such wounds often cannot be sutured, but must heal naturally. Healing can take up to several months and the wound is therefore susceptible to the penetration of harmful microorganisms. MRSA infection or nosocomial infection represents a special form of wound infection. Due to increasingly common antibiotic resistance, methicillin-resistant bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus, occur primarily in unhygienic hospitals.
Causes
Corresponding microorganisms that lead to wound infection are most commonly pathogenic bacteria (that is, bacteria that can cause disease). Less commonly, viruses or parasites that invade a wound may also be responsible for causing a wound infection. However, an invasion of corresponding bacteria, viruses or parasites does not lead to a wound infection in every case; whether an infection occurs depends, among other things, on the type of invaded pathogens, on their number and also on the immune system of the affected patient. If bacteria are the cause of a wound infection, such an infection can manifest itself in various forms: so-called cocci (spherical bacteria), for example, usually lead to pronounced pus formation in the wound area, while putrefactive bacteria often cause a characteristic odor that accompanies a wound infection.
Symptoms, complaints, and signs
An existing wound infection is usually accompanied by fairly distinct symptoms that can cause significant pain. As a rule, a wound infection is always associated with severe redness in the affected area. Affected individuals can see such redness with the naked eye. In some cases, there is also a visible swelling that also appears immediately at the wound. Another and quite distinct symptom is the formation of pus fluid. The formation of pus is very common in connection with wound infection, as it is a sign of severe inflammation. Those who decide to seek medical and drug treatment at this point make the right choice. Indeed, such treatment is essential in the case of wound infection, as otherwise the symptoms that occur may worsen considerably. The infection may spread throughout the body, posing a risk of blood poisoning. In some cases, an abscess forms on the wound. This is a cavity that fills with pus fluid. The pressure inside increases over time, allowing the pus fluid to enter the bloodstream. Such an abscess is also visible to the naked eye and should be treated by a doctor as soon as possible.
Diagnosis and course
First, a wound infection can be diagnosed on the basis of so-called microbiological evidence. For this purpose, for example, swabs are taken from the wound area and tested for the presence of a wound infection. Further diagnostic procedures to confirm the presence of a wound infection may include X-rays or ultrasound if necessary: The X-ray method can, for example, provide limited visualization of pus foci that have formed in the course of a wound infection.Ultrasound can also be used to detect fluids that have accumulated in the wound area; disinfection of the ultrasound probe usually takes place before this diagnostic examination. The course of a wound infection depends on various factors. For example, the type of trigger for a wound infection plays a role. In addition, a timely start of treatment and proper medical treatment can positively influence the course of a wound infection.
Complications
Wound infection can carry complications that are mainly related to the size of the wound and wound hygiene. On the other hand, professional care of the wound with constant checks and medical attention excludes complications in most cases. Infection of a wound always means a point of attack for further pathogens, which colonize the wound in case of insufficient hygiene or exposure. They lead to poorer healing of the wound, cause typical infection symptoms or intensify already existing symptoms. If the wound is large and damaged to such an extent that the body is no longer able to heal the wound, surgical procedures must be considered for the benefit of health. Amputations and partial amputations may become necessary in severe cases. In addition, a wound that is poorly cared for hygienically promotes the risk of blood poisoning and associated sepsis. This condition is always life-threatening and, in severe cases, almost impossible to treat. Medically untreated, such gangrene leads to the death of the affected person. In addition, depending on the site, a deep-seated wound infection can lead to secondary damage that affects the muscles and nerves, among other things. Loss of function in the affected area, especially in the case of complicated healing wounds, may occur. The risk for all complications in this context can be reduced with adequate hygiene measures.
When should you see a doctor?
Normally, wounds heal slowly and steadily. A doctor is not needed if a continuous improvement of the wound can be perceived over several days and existing discomfort decreases. However, if there is an increase in adverse health effects or other irregularities develop, a medical examination is needed. If there is swelling in the area of the wound as well as severe redness, action is required. Since sepsis may develop if the wound does not progress favorably, consultation with a physician is required. Sepsis is a potentially life-threatening condition. Therefore, a physician should be consulted if there is a deterioration in general health within a short period of time. If there is fever or the formation of pus, there is cause for concern. If an abscess develops, a visit to the doctor is necessary. If rapid changes in health occur within a few minutes, hospitalization is required immediately. If the affected person complains of pain, a sudden severe fatigue or a decrease in physical strength, this should be investigated. If there is a feeling of malaise as well as a general feeling of illness, there is a health disorder that must be investigated and treated. Irritability, severe restriction of movement and hypersensitivity to touch are signs of an existing irregularity. This must be clarified by a physician.
Treatment and therapy
In the medical treatment of a wound infection, there is often first a so-called wound revision, that is, a thorough examination of the wound infection. This wound revision should, for example, provide information about the depths to which a corresponding wound infection has already penetrated and the extent to which the wound is contaminated. Furthermore, the wound revision examines whether blood vessels, nerves or body cavities may have been affected by the wound infection. In the course of subsequent surgical treatment of the wound infection, dead tissue in the wound area is removed if necessary. If a wound infection is accompanied by severe oozing of the affected wound, another possible therapeutic measure is the placement of a so-called wound drain, i.e. a form of drainage system through which tissue fluids can be drained to the outside.Often, subsequent care of a wound infection then follows in the form of a daily dressing change, for which, among other things, sterile (germ-free) dressing material must be used. In rare cases, the wound infection may spread and lead to sepsis (blood poisoning). If this is the case, additional administration of antibiotics may be necessary.
Prevention
To prevent wound infection, a wound should, among other things, first be cleaned and treated quickly. Depending on the severity of a wound suffered, it may be advisable to consult the attending physician at an early stage if in doubt, to ensure proper wound care and prevent wound infection.
Aftercare
Serious complications may occur in the event of a wound infection. In the worst case, the patient risks blood poisoning. Therefore, wound infections must be treated with special care. First of all, it is important to protect the wound from external influences in everyday life. Contamination must be avoided at all costs. For this reason, the wound should be covered over a large area. This is done with the help of appropriate plasters or, in the case of larger wounds, with a wound dressing, which should be checked and changed regularly. If the secretion of wound fluid increases, this must be clarified with the attending physician. The type and frequency of dressing changes should also be discussed with the physician. To promote wound healing, dressings must be applied in such a way that there is no feeling of tension in the affected region. Stretching of the skin caused by this could lead to further disturbances and enlarge the wound or impair the wound healing process. Movement and motor activity should be adjusted accordingly during the wound healing period and possible overexertion avoided. It is often advisable to completely stop sporting activities during healing. To support the organism during recovery, attention should be paid to a healthy lifestyle. Balanced diet and adequate intake of vitamins and fluids help in this process
What you can do yourself
Special care must be taken when a wound infection occurs. In order not to risk blood poisoning, close monitoring of health developments is important. If there is an increase in symptoms or general irregularities, a doctor must be consulted. Failure to do so may result in an acute condition and premature demise. In everyday life, care must be taken to protect the wound from external influences. In particular, contamination must be avoided. For this reason, the affected area should be generously covered or protected from contact. The wound dressing should be checked and changed at regular intervals. If the wound fluid increases, action is required. If there is any uncertainty about the correct procedure for changing the dressing, the attending physician should be consulted. During general movements, care should be taken to avoid feelings of tension. These can lead to stretching of the skin and thus to disorders. There is a risk of enlargement of the existing wound or impairments in the progressive healing process. It is therefore important to adapt the motor function to the health conditions and to avoid overloading. Frequently, therefore, sporting activities should be completely avoided during the recovery period. To support the healing process, the organism should be supplied with sufficient vitamins. Therefore, attention should be paid to a balanced diet.
