Pus Leaking from Your Wound? Here's What it Means

You may notice that sometimes when you get hurt, your body produces pus in response to infection. While pus in small amounts, such as pus that comes from a pimple, is not a concern, pus coming out of a wound or a cut may be a cause for concern. Especially if the pus is coming from a surgical site.

Pus is a viscous fluid that contains degenerating white blood cells, living and deceased bacteria, and tissue fragments. 

It is usually opaque, rather than transparent, and a white-yellow colour. It may also have a green or a brown hue. Occasionally, it might be accompanied by a foul odour.
 

Open cuts or wounds are susceptible to the entry of bacteria. When the body detects the presence of harmful bacteria, it sends neutrophils, a form of white blood cells, to kill the bacteria or fungi. Some of the neutrophils and tissue surrounding the infected region will perish during this process. This decaying matter builds up as pus and causes pus wounds.


If you have an infection and pus is coming out of your wound, your body will display other symptoms of infection as well. You may notice warm, red skin around the wound as well as red streaks encircling the wound. Additionally, the region may be painful and swollen.
 

Pus wounds can look different every time, while yellow and white pus from wounds is the most common, you may also see red, pinkish or green pus. 

1. White and yellow pus: White or yellow pus leaking from wounds indicates a common bacterial infection.
   
   
2. Green pus: Sometimes our WBCs produce an antibacterial protein that has green pigments, which causes a greenish tinge to pus.
   
   
3. Reddish pink pus: If blood seeps into pus, it will appear with a red and pinkish hue.
    

The two most common infection-causing bacteria are staphylococcus aureus and streptococcus pyogenes. They are commonly known as staph and strep. Both these bacteria may enter the body through open wounds and cause infection. To ensure your wound heals well and prevent the risk of infection, you must cover your wound with a wound plaster and follow the proper wound care steps.

Infection can be avoided by simply following these wound care steps:

1. Wash your hands: Before you begin cleaning your wound, wash your hands thoroughly to ensure that you do not cross-contaminate the wound site.
   
   
2. Remove debris: If there is anything stuck in the wound such as a splinter or gravel, carefully remove it with a tweezer.
   
   
3. Clean the wound: Use running water to clean any dirt or blood from around your wound. Do not apply soap to the wound or rub the wound.
   
   
4. Pat dry: Use sterile gauze or a clean, non-fibrous towel to pat the area dry.
   
   
5. Apply antibiotic ointment: Carefully apply a thin layer of antibiotic cream to the wound.
   
   
6. Use a wound plaster: Apply a wound plaster over the ointment, make sure that the wound plaster covers the wound entirely.
    

If the wound is too large for a wound plaster, cut some cotton gauze to size and secure it in place over the wound with medical tape. It is important that the wound is completely covered to ensure that bacteria does not breach through the open skin.

Larger wounds are more susceptible to infection, especially in the case of surgical wounds. If you see pus coming out of a surgical wound, check for the following signs-

1. Delayed healing
2. Redness around the site of the surgery
3. Pain or soreness on touch
4. A bad smell or drainage from the wound
5. Fever or chills
    

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, consult a doctor immediately to ascertain the underlying cause and receive the proper wound and pus treatment.

Infections can be very harmful if they are not treated in time, but by correctly identifying your body’s warning signs, you can stay on top of wound recovery and ensure optimal healing.
 

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

Always see your doctor if a wound is deep, bleeding profusely or showing signs of infection. 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 it comes to 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