Decreasing Infection Risk And Knowing When To Seek Help

Heat as a Warning Sign Pointing to Infection

One of the most alarming signs of infection is heat. An infected site can be very hot to the touch, feeling much like your forehead does when you have a fever. However, the extra heat is mainly caused by the increased blood flow to the site. Your blood is warm and when there is more of it in one place, that area will have a corresponding increase in temperature. Heat can also build up through the chemicals and enzymes that white blood cells release in order to fight pathogens and clear out damaged tissue.

Loss of Function When You Have an Infection

As one might expect, if you have an area that is painful, hot, red, and swollen, you probably find it difficult to use. A simple infection at a wound site on a thumb or toe can make it very hard to carry out daily activities as simple as picking up an object or walking. 

Decreasing Your Risk of Infection

When you suffer a cut or scrape, your first response should be taking steps to minimize the risk of infection. Bleeding does a good job of flushing pathogens and debris out of any small wound, but you can also clean the site by rinsing it with clean water or swabbing it with alcohol-free wipes.

You should also wash the surrounding area with soap and water, making sure you wipe away from the wound and use a clean gauze or pad with each wipe. Cover the wound with a light, sterile dressing, keep the site elevated, and avoid touching the area, especially with unwashed hands. 

You can also apply an over-the-counter antibacterial ointment, but make sure to do so only after the site has been cleaned.

When to Seek Medical Help for an Infection

Usually, your body will do a fantastic job of getting rid of an infection on its own. There are some times, though, when the inflammatory process is not enough and you will need to receive medical care. 

Wounds that do not show signs of healing after 48 hours can indicate an advanced infection that may need to be treated with antibiotics. Faint red trails on the skin that spread from the wound site are also warning signs of a serious infection. The signs of advanced infection can become systemic, leading to symptoms such as fever, lethargy, and chills. 

Eye wounds should always be treated by a doctor because of the risk of permanent vision deterioration or even blindness.