Remember to wash your hands after touching the wound.
Once you have taken off the soiled bandages, they should be discarded and thrown into the garbage. Never try to re-use a soiled bandage.
Your skin may also feel warm at the hurt area. Contact a doctor for advice if either of these symptoms are present.
You might feel a throbbing pain. Itching is not necessarily a sign of infection, although you should never agitate a wound by scratching it a lot. Fingernails can carry more bacteria and scratching can make issues worse.
Your doctor may recommend antibiotic ointments if the infection is minor and superficial. [7] X Trustworthy Source World Health Organization Health information and news provided by the World Health Organization Go to source
Some drainage from a wound is normal, as long as the fluid is thin and clear. Bacteria may create clear drainage that is not yellow or green. In this a case, your doctor may examine the fluid to determine a specific cause of infection. [9] X Research source
Take care to only apply the nonstick part of the bandage to the actual wound. The bandage should be large enough to easily cover the wound.
This kind of infection (lymphangitis) can be serious and you should get prompt medical attention if you see streaking redness from a wound site, especially if you are also experiencing a fever. [12] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source
Bacteria is trapped in these glands during an immune response. [14] X Research source [15] X Research source Sometimes you can suffer infection to the lymph system without the streaking lines being visible on your skin.
Swollen lymph nodes that are softer and move easily usually signify infection or inflammation. Hard lymph nodes that don’t move, cause pain, or last more than 1 to 2 weeks should be examined by a doctor. [18] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
If you notice body aches, headache, dizziness, upset stomach, or even vomit, you may have an infection. A new rash is another reason to check with your doctor.
Since your body is fighting infection, it is important to stay hydrated and drink plenty of fluids.
Keep a special eye on bites, puncture wounds, and crush injuries. Be careful when handling wounds from an unsanitary source: a crusty knife, a rusty nail, or a dirty tool. If you’ve been bitten, talk with your doctor about your risk of getting rabies or tetanus. You might need antibiotics, or vaccines or other treatments against tetanus or rabies. If you are healthy and your immune system is strong, most wounds will heal with little risk of infection. Your body’s defenses have evolved to keep infections from taking root.
Do not drive if you’re feeling dizzy and feverish. If possible, have a friend or family member drive you to the hospital. You may need to get some strong antibiotics to stabilize your system. When in doubt, get checked out. In the case of infection, it is not enough to merely self-diagnose using the Internet. A legitimate medical diagnosis is the best way to know for sure.
Avoid NSAIDs if you’re using blood-thinning medication. Be aware that these drugs can cause stomach ulcers and kidney malfunction in some people. Ask your doctor!
