Any time the skin is damaged, through lacerations, punctures, abrasions, or any other injury, there is a danger of infection.  The skin is one of the body’s most important defenses, maintaining the integrity of the body and keeping the internal workings safe from intrusion by bacteria and other foreign bodies.  However, when that barrier is compromised, bacteria can gain entrance, and if they establish a foothold and begin to multiply, this is an infection.  Some infections can be serious and if untreated can be life-threatening, so it’s important to keep an eye on any wounds you may have for signs of infection.

Signs of infection in a wound usually include increased pain and swelling at the wound site, including redness or warmth.  As the infection increases, the wound will stand up proud, that is, puffed up above the surrounding skin.  As the lymph system attempts to drain fluid from the site, the infection may spread into that system, which would show up as red streaking in the skin around the wound.  This would be a very serious development, especially if accompanied by a fever.  If you notice this kind of streaking, be sure to seek medical care as soon as possible.

Some infections, especially in deep wounds like punctures, can settle beneath the skin.  If the skin on the surface heals over, but the infection remains beneath, the infection will continue to produce pus and form an abscess.  Usually the swelling and pain will feel like they’re deep within the wound, and will persist even when the surface of the wound appears to be healing.

Infections can be caused by bacteria from the environment, or from bacteria on the object that caused the wound, or even from bacteria that lives on the skin normally, once it makes its way beyond the protective layer of skin.  If any foreign objects are embedded in the wound, the chances of infection increase dramatically, which is why doctors will always try to clean wounds and remove any foreign objects like splinters.

Infections in and around wounds can be very serious, so it’s important to treat a wound quickly by cleaning it.  For serious wounds, or if you suspect an infection has settled in, be sure to consult a doctor for appropriate treatment.  If the infection spreads, even a minor wound can suddenly become life-threatening.  For help finding a doctor to help service your medical needs, be sure to use IPALC’s physician directory at www.ipalc.org/find or email IPALC directly at info@ipalc.org for assistance finding the right doctor for you.