Dealing With Infected Wounds

Infected wounds can cause not only a great deal of discomfort and pain, they could also lead to extremely serious problems. That is why it is so important to make sure you carefully monitor any type of wound to keep an infection from occurring. If it does, you should contact a medical professional as soon as possible to ensure proper treatment.

How an Infection Occurs

An infection typically occurs due to the colonization of bacteria or other types of microorganisms, resulting in either the deterioration of a wound or a delay in healing. Infected wounds take place when the body’s immune system becomes overwhelmed or is unable to deal with the normal growth of bacteria.

Much of the skin contains bacteria that are usually harmless – as long as the skin remains intact. A wound, however, disrupts this protective barrier, allowing bacteria to accumulate. This leads to increased inflammation and potentially tissue damage.

Potential Complications

Infected wounds can lead to several serious consequences. It can cause a wound to fail to heal, leading to prolonged pain. Surrounding tissue can be damaged, and even nearby bones could be at risk of an infection. If an infection spreads to the blood vessels, other areas of the body can be affected as well.

Treatment

Proper care is the best way to prevent infected wounds from occurring. Wounds should typically remain moist in order for the cells that promote healing to function properly. Dressings must be changed at least daily – in many cases, multiple times per day – and precautions must be carefully taken, such as washing hands and using sterilized equipment.

The Plano wound care experts with DFW Wound Care Center have a great deal of experience in treating infected wounds using advanced equipment and the most sophisticated methods available. Contact us online or call us at 972-665-6292 or 972-318-2383 to schedule an appointment.