How to Tell if a Wound is Healing or Infected

In general, our bodies are good at healing wounds on their own. That being said, there are things we can do to properly clean a wound and ensure the healing process can take place as it needs to.From a grazed knee on the playground to surgical wounds, it's important for caregivers to keep an eye on any wound to ensure it’s healing as it should be, and doesn't become infected.As well as how to tell if a wound is healing or infected, let's take a look at the healing process of a wound and how to clean a wound to ensure it can heal well.

What influences how a wound heals?

The healing process can be influenced by:

• Patient/caregiver understanding and compliance

• Age of patient

• Nutrition

• Infection

• The location of the wound

Risk factors that may increase the chance of a poor healing wound or a chronic wound include:

• Diabetes and other comorbidities

• Smoking and/or drinking

• Immunosuppression

• Vascular disease

• Obesity

Do wounds heal faster covered or uncovered?

Wound healing benefits from a wound being covered, at least at first. Wounds need moisture to heal, which can be achieved when covered with a sterile bandage, rather than being left to 'air out'.Covering a wound also keeps out bacteria and other pathogens by providing a barrier to outside contaminants. This wound dressing should be changed every day.

When to stop covering a wound

Keep a wound covered for at least a few days, longer in the event of deeper, open wounds. If the wound begins bleeding again or reopens, cover it for longer. In the case of surgical wounds, follow the advice of your health professional.

How to dry up a weeping wound

In fact, you probably don't have to. Wounds benefit from a moist environment for healing. Use an absorbent covering such as gauze if needed. See the points below for how to tell if the wound is infected, and if you are concerned with the fluid coming from the wound, seek medical attention.

Common wounds

Some common wounds can often be treated and observed from home. Common wounds include:

• Grazes - such as on the knee after falling over on the playground. Grazes are generally superficial injuries and heal well on their own.

• Surgical wounds - the wound left behind following surgery. Your surgeon will offer instructions for post-op wound care.

• Cuts - such as from a kitchen knife or piece of paper. They can vary in depth and seriousness.

• Puncture wounds - such as a nail penetrating the skin or an animal bite. Puncture wounds often don't bleed heavily, but are prone to infection due to being deeper in nature. Puncture wounds may require medical attention.

Signs of normal healing

There are some signs of the wound-healing process that you are likely to see in the normal healing of wounds. Signs of a healthy healing wound may include:

Scab forming

Wounds such as cuts or grazes will likely bleed, clot and then scab. A normal healing wound will not continue to bleed for a significant amount of time. You may also notice some clear fluid coming from a skin wound, which helps to clean the area.

Swelling

Inflammation is a sign that the body's immune system is working to heal the wound. The wound may take on a reddish or pinkish appearance as increased blood flow is directed to the wound area to promote healing.

New tissue

Even in the case of minor wounds, the growth of new granulation tissues can take several weeks. The body works hard to repair the damaged tissues, and the skin of the wound edges inwards, making the wound steadily smaller. The new skin may be pinkish in colour.

Scarring

The scab will fall away, leaving a scar in its place. For minor wounds, the scar may fade quickly, or some scars may last for many years.

Signs of infection

The following are some signs to watch for that may indicate poor wound healing or an infected wound:

Prolonged warmth

It may be normal for the wound to feel warm in the first stages of healing as the white blood cells fight bacteria at the wound area. But if the wound remains warm after the first five days or so, it may be an indication of an infection which the body is fighting.

Pain

It is normal to experience some pain following an injury or at the site of a surgical wound. However, increasing pain that is long-lasting and doesn't correlate to the size of the wound, or pain that gets worse with pain medication, may be a sign of infection.

Redness

Swelling and redness of the wound and surrounding skin in the first five days after the injury is normal. But if the swelling and redness gets worse, or remains after the first five days, it may be a sign of poor wound healing.

Discharge

White, yellow or greenish discharge can all be signs of an infected wound.

Foul odour

A wound that smells offensive or strange may not be healing correctly, or may be infected.

Fever

A fever can mean that an infection has occurred and entered the bloodstream. Fever can be caused by both viral or bacterial wound infections and can cause general discomfort throughout the body.

Correct wound care to prevent infection

Correct wound care should be followed for all injuries, from minor cuts to deep wounds. Proper care from the outset can reduce the risk of infection and the risk of it becoming a chronic wound.First, ensure the wound site is clean. Carefully wash the wound site with warm water, and use an antiseptic liquid to clean the cut.Cover the wound to prevent germs and bacteria from getting in. Wound dressings and gauze swabs come in a variety of sizes and shapes to suit the size and location of the injury.In the event of a surgical wound, wound closure strips may need to be replaced. Ask your doctor if you are unsure.

When to seek medical attention

Wound healing can often be undertaken at home without medical attention, but it's vital to understand the red flags and keep an eye on the injury.Some examples of reasons to seek medical attention in regards to wounds include:

• Uncontrollable bleeding

• Deep wounds

• Foreign body in the wound such as glass or a thorn

• The wound doesn't close well on its own/you suspect stitches are needed

• Any sign of infection such as fever, increasing pain or swelling, or pus

• In the case of animal bites

In the event of seeking medical attention for a wound, the doctor may take a swab to test for infection. They will likely clean the wound and prescribe treatment if needed. They will also check if the patient is up to date with their tetanus shot if necessary.

Shop wound care

Even minor wounds need to be cared for and observed for signs of infection or slow healing. As well as knowing how to tell if a wound is healing or infected, make sure you have the right materials to clean a wound and keep it protected while it heals.Here at LFA First Response, we stock a wide range of wholesale wound care supplies. Get in touch with us or place your order today.