How to prevent Wound Infections and Treating Infected Cuts and Bruises| Hansaplast India

Most people have either been victims or spectators of cuts and wounds. For example, you might suffer cuts while chopping fruits in a jiffy or get scratched while playing a sport. A wound is any damage or a break on the surface of the skin. Even though these wound occurrences are regular occurrences, they can turn infectious, raising several complications and making you sick.

What exactly is a wound infection?

When bacteria or other germs enter a break in the damaged skin barrier, it causes a wound infection. The infection may affect only the skin or spread deeper to the tissues or organs near the wound. As the bacteria fights the immune system, it causes inflammation and tissue damage, slowing down the healing process. When left untreated, these infections can worsen and may necessitate medical attention.

What are the signs of a wound infection?

If you have not taken the right care of your wound, you may notice the following symptoms a few days after getting it :

The wound becomes more painful instead of gradually improving
The skin near the wound gets warm, red, painful, or swollen
Excess discharge of blood or pus
A foul odour emitted from the wound

If the infection spreads further, the redness will keep spreading to more areas of the skin. You may feel unwell, get a temperature or face aches and pains.

Thankfully, acute wounds such as minor cuts or scratches may not require major medical help. Instead, you can treat these types of wounds at home by following a simple wound care process. However, severe wounds that involve significant bleeding will require immediate medical attention. Therefore, you need to follow these steps to know how to treat infected wounds and minimise the risk of infection :

Stop the bleeding

The first and foremost care you can take to treat cuts is to stop the bleeding. In most cases, bleeding due to minor scratches and cuts usually stops on its own. However, if the bleeding does not stop, exert gentle pressure on the infected scratch with a clean and sterile cloth or gauze pad to control it. You shouldn’t remove the cloth if the blood seeps in, instead put other layers of dry cloth, and continue applying pressure until the bleeding stops. You can even try elevating the area if the cut or bruise is on your legs or hands, which can also help to reduce bleeding.

Clean the cut or the bruise

Whether it is a freshly formed wound or an infected cut, cleaning the affected site is important in slowing down the spread of infection. For a fresh wound, once the bleeding stops, you can use antiseptics to stop the germs to prevent wound infection. It will help if you take a clean and dry cloth or gauze pad to simply dab on the infected cut.

An infected cut or bruise that is swollen can have debris of dead tissue, glass, or other foreign objects. You have the option of removing minor debris with tweezers or seeing a doctor to treat infected wounds that are severe. You need to wash your hands before performing wound infection treatment.

Tend the wounds with antibiotic cream

As bacteria and other germs cause infections, treating infected wounds with antibiotic cream is essential. Since antibiotic cream is antimicrobial, applying a thin layer of cream works as an effective wound infection treatment. Evenly spread the cream on the infected wound using a clean gauze pad and don’t rub vigorously.

Dress the wound with plasters

It is well-known that covering your wound with platers promotes faster healing. You can use breathable plasters, such as regular plasters from Hansaplast, over a thin layer of antibiotic cream. Plasters protect the wound from dust and other germs and offer the perfect wound treatment process closure. If the wound site is larger, go for plasters such as Hansaplast jumbo plaster, which provides better coverage for bigger wounds. You must frequently change the dressing to keep the infected area clean and clear.

Arrange for a tetanus shot if needed

In some cases, if your wound is in contact with soil, you are at risk of getting tetanus, a bacterial infection. Many people associate tetanus with rusty knives or other rusty metal objects. But, contrary to popular belief, tetanus has nothing to do with rust itself. Any bacteria on the object, rusty or not that penetrates your skin can cause tetanus. Most people are protected from tetanus by routine vaccination. But if you have neither taken a tetanus shot nor its booster dose, seek medical help immediately.

When you get a scratch or cut, prompt and proper wound care treatment is vital in preventing wound infection. So, in the case of acute wounds, you can handle your wounds by regular disinfection and appropriate wound dressing for quick healing. However, if the appearance of infected cuts doesn't improve, you should immediately contact a medical professional. Need additional information on how to treat infected wounds for faster healing? Read on Protect against infection with Hansaplast Bacteria Shield Plasters.

Disclaimer

Please note that the above recommendations are general care tips. Consult a health care professional in case of any uncertainty around wound treatment and healing.

Always see your doctor if a wound is deep, bleeding profusely, or showing infection signs. For diabetic patients especially, proper wound care holds the utmost importance. Do not hesitate to discuss any concerns you may have with your doctor or your podiatrist, even when minor wounds and cuts – especially if they’re on your feet.

The information provided through this website should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Although compiled with great care, it is not a substitute for professional advice. If you have or suspect a health problem, consult your doctor immediately.

For further information regarding Hansaplast products, please contact us via email at customer.care@bdfindia.com.

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