Open wounds – especially large or deep ones – are a gateway for various types of germs like bacteria or funghi that can enter the wound and impede the healing process.
Observing hygiene
For the prevention of wound infection, it is important to maintain a clean and hygienic environment: clean the wound and the area around it, use sterile dressings and protect the wound from the penetration of germs.
This is achieved with special dressings that form a waterproof barrier (but are breathable at the same time) and even allow direct visual inspection of the wound. Leukoplast even offers plasters with a bacteria-binding wound pad that can remove germs from the wound with each dressing change.
An infected wound and its symptoms
Infection can be signified by
- redness
- warmth
- swelling
- increasing pain
- pus or drainaige
- fever
If any of these signs are present or your wound is not healing you should contact your medical provider.
Care for infected wounds is a case for the medical experts. They may recommend an over-the-counter fever-reducer or analgesic or prescribe an oral antibiotic to help aid in recovery.
When in doubt, see a medical expert
Many common wounds can be dealt with at home. But when should a doctor be consulted? Scroll down for more information!
