How to Keep a Wound From Becoming Infected

Bacteria is everywhere, from your house to out in the yard. A simple cut or scrape can turn into a significant problem with an infection – but you can take a few steps to keep the wound clean and contaminant-free.

Wound care is just one of the services we offer at Calvary Urgent Care in Humble, Texas. Dr. Joseph Goin and his team offer wound care tips to prevent infections and facilitate effective tissue healing.

Signs of a wound infection

A wound is any issue that creates a break in the skin.  Cuts, scrapes, surgical incisions, and diabetic foot ulcers are all forms of wounds.

One of the most significant risks associated with a break in the skin is the introduction of bacteria. It lives all around us and can lead to a severe infection if you're not careful. Once bacteria enter the body through a wound, they wreak havoc on the immune system.

There are several noticeable signs that an infection has set into a wound, and they include the following:

• Redness
• Warmth
• Inflammation
• Purulent drainage
• Increasing pain
• Fever

As soon as you notice signs of an infection, it's crucial to wash the wound and seek treatment.  Minor infections may require topical or oral antibiotics, while severe infections may require a washout procedure and IV antibiotics in the hospital.

Tips to keep a wound from infection

After suffering a wound, there are several essential steps to keep the wound clean and free of infection. We offer the following wound care tips to eliminate bacteria in the wound and to keep you from getting an infection:

Wash your hands

Before you do anything after suffering a wound, it's critical to wash your hands. Bacteria live everywhere, and the easiest way into your body is through your own hands. Wash your hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap and hot water to eliminate any bacteria before addressing the wound.

Clean the wound well

After washing your hands, it's also critical to clean the wound. Ensure bleeding has stopped and remove any visible debris before cleaning out the wound. Wash the wound with antibacterial soap and hot water to get rid of bacteria living on the skin's surface.

Cover the wound

Keeping the wound covered in the first few days is essential in preventing an infection. The body takes time to begin rebuilding tissue and forming a scab, which helps keep bacteria out.  While the wound is fresh, keep it covered to prevent possible infections.

Apply an antibiotic cream

An over-the-counter antibiotic cream is an excellent idea for mild to moderate wounds. It provides an extra layer of protection against bacteria and potential infection. For optimal results, cover the wound after applying antibiotic cream.

Change the bandage regularly

You should change the bandage at least once daily for the first few days, more if you notice drainage or bleeding. Keeping the bandage clean and dry is crucial for preventing infection and  wound healing.

What should I do if I think I have an infection?

Sometimes, an infection sets in even if you thought you did everything correctly. If you suspect an infection, it's crucial to treat it immediately to prevent it from spreading and causing more severe problems.

You can walk into our urgent care facility for a wound evaluation and care. We assess the wound immediately, clean it out if necessary, and provide you with wound care tips to help eliminate the infection.

Depending on the severity of the infection, we may prescribe antibiotics. Severe or chronic wounds with an infection may require a trip to the hospital so we can wash the wound out while you're under anesthesia or give you IV antibiotics for a severe infection.

Call Calvary Urgent Care in Humble, Texas, today to schedule an appointment for wound or infection care. You can also visit our urgent care facility or use the booking feature on our website to request an appointment.