Question 1

how would  i  know if my wound is infected?

Accepted Answer

Signs of infection: Acute signs of infection include redness, swelling, pain, increase in temperature and drainage that is suggestive of pus. There are time an infected wound may show some or none of the signs but may have radiographic findings that suggest it. If you have any concern see a physician immediately for an evaluation.

Question 2

should i cover a wound that i think might be infected?

Accepted Answer

Please see doctor: If you have a wound infection, covering it up without proper treatment may make it worse.  Please see your doctor right away.

Question 3

wound stuff coming out of it trying to find out if it might b infected?

Accepted Answer

Possibly: A clear discharge from a wound is not likely to be an infection.  However if you see cloudy discharge, redness or swelling around a wound it can be a sign of infection.  Application of a topical antibiotic ointment may help until  you can see your doctor.

Question 4

what kind of herbs were used to treat infected wounds when modern medicine wasn't available?

Accepted Answer

The Smith Papyrus: Dating to 1650bc this ancient egyptian document was  devoted to wound healing and trauma and included the use of honey (we now use specialy prepared   "medihoney"),  copper compounds, compression on stasis ulcers.  The use of colloidal silver was once common, silver impregnated dressings are in mainstream use today.  Otherwise no herbal preparations can be shown to treat truly infected wounds.

Question 5

could hairs in my wound get infected?

Accepted Answer

The hairs: Won't be infected, but could affect the wound.  Best to keep hair out of a wound but if it is there it doesn't guarantee the wound will become infected.

Question 6

what can you do to treat an infected wound?

Accepted Answer

Principles of: treatment of infection are adequate surgical drainage, systemic antibiotics, local care, and treatment of underlying conditions.  A lot depends upon severity, location, and host factors such as general medical condition or specific diseases such as diabetes or cancer.  Consult with a surgeon for specific advice.

Question 7

will an infected wound close or will it stay open?

Accepted Answer

Generally stay open: Infection may delay healing.

Question 8

how can you tell if your cut or open wound is infected?

Accepted Answer

Cellulitis: Symptoms of skin infection include increased redness, swelling, tenderness, prolonged healing, warmth and/or drainage.

Question 9

can an open wound that is two weeks old still get infected?

Accepted Answer

Yes : Until the skin is closed infection is possible.

Question 10

can covering a open and infected wound actually make it worse?

Accepted Answer

Yes: An infected wound should be opened so that the infection can drain to the surface.  I recommend covering the wound but changing the dressing frequently (twice a day at least) in order to debris the infection.

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Doctor answers about:

Infected closed wound

A member asked:

How would i know if my wound is infected?

A member asked:

Should i cover a wound that i think might be infected?

A member asked:

Wound stuff coming out of it trying to find out if it might b infected?

A member asked:

What kind of herbs were used to treat infected wounds when modern medicine wasn't available?

A member asked:

Could hairs in my wound get infected?

A member asked:

What can you do to treat an infected wound?

A member asked:

Will an infected wound close or will it stay open?

A member asked:

How can you tell if your cut or open wound is infected?

A member asked:

Can an open wound that is two weeks old still get infected?

A member asked:

Can covering a open and infected wound actually make it worse?

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