Whether or not to cover an infected wound is a common question that many people face. In the opening paragraphs, we’ll provide a quick overview of the key factors to consider when deciding if you should cover an infected wound.
What is an infected wound?
An infected wound occurs when bacteria or other microorganisms enter a wound and begin to multiply, causing increased inflammation, pus, pain, swelling, and warmth around the affected area. Signs of an infected wound can include:
- Increased pain, soreness, throbbing
- Swelling and redness
- Pus or cloudy drainage from the wound
- Heat and warmth around the wound
- Red streaks spreading from the wound
- Foul odor from the wound
- Fever
An infected wound requires medical treatment with antibiotics to clear the infection. Otherwise, it can worsen and lead to a serious systemic infection.
Should you cover an infected wound?
In most cases, you should leave an infected wound uncovered initially to allow drainage and encourage healing. Covering an infected wound traps bacteria and pus inside, which can worsen the infection.
However, there are some exceptions where covering an infected wound may help:
- If the wound is located in an area that risks contamination with dirt or debris, loosely covering it can protect it.
- Covering an actively draining wound with a dry gauze pad can help absorb some drainage.
- A non-stick dressing over an infected surgical wound allows you to monitor drainage without disturbing healing.
- Hydrocolloid dressings can promote healing for some mild skin infections.
In general, check with your doctor before bandaging an infected wound. They can advise if cover is beneficial or not for your specific situation.
How to care for an infected wound
If you have an infected wound, proper care is vital for healing. Recommended steps include:
- See a doctor – Only antibiotics can clear a bacterial infection. Oral or topical antibiotics may be prescribed.
- Clean the wound – Use mild soap and water to gently cleanse around the wound 1-2 times per day. Avoid hydrogen peroxide or iodine which can damage tissue.
- Apply antibiotic ointment – After cleaning, apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment like polymixin B or bacitracin zinc to help fight infection.
- Cover with a light bandage – If deemed helpful by your doctor, cover with a clean, dry bandage. Change the dressing 1-2 times per day.
- Watch for spreading – Monitor if redness, swelling, streaking, pain, heat or pus spreads further as this indicates worsening infection.
- Limit re-injury – Avoid knocking or bumping the wound and keep the area still to prevent further injury.
- Seek prompt care if not improving – If an infected wound isn’t showing clear improvement in 1-2 days, follow-up promptly with your healthcare provider.
When to see a doctor
It’s important to consult a doctor for any suspected wound infection. Signs that require prompt medical evaluation include:
- Pus, foul odor, increased swelling, or redness/heat spreading from the wound
- Red streaking away from the wound site
- Fever or chills
- Increasing pain or soreness
- Swelling, redness, warmth extending more than 1 inch from wound edges
- No improvement after 2-3 days of self-care
- The wound is large, deep, or located on the face, hand, foot or genitals
- Presence of an abscess or oozing pocket of pus
- Known infection with antibiotic-resistant bacteria like MRSA
- Signs of a systemic infection like nausea, dizziness, weakness or confusion
Diabetics, those on immunosuppressants, the elderly, and others with weakened immune systems also require urgent evaluation for any wound infection.
Diagnosing wound infections
To diagnose an infected wound, doctors use a combination of:
- Medical history – Discussing how/when the wound occurred, symptoms, past wounds/infections, and current medications.
- Physical exam – Looking for signs of infection like pus, redness, swelling and warmth. Palpating for fluid pockets or swollen lymph nodes.
- Lab tests – Swabbing drainage or wound tissue for bacterial culture to identify pathogens. Blood tests to assess for systemic infection.
- Imaging – MRI, CT or ultrasound to look for deep tissue infection, abscesses and bone involvement.
Early diagnosis and treatment is key to prevent local tissue damage and life-threatening complications of wound infections.
Treating infected wounds
Treatment focuses on eliminating infection and promoting healing. Options may include:
- Oral or topical antibiotics – Antibiotics administered by mouth or applied directly to the wound combat bacterial infection.
- Wound cleaning/debridement – Removal of debris, dead tissue and drainage facilitates healing.
- Abscess drainage – Drainage of any pus pockets using a scalpel, needle or catheter provides relief and speeds healing.
- Wound dressings – Special dressings that absorb drainage, maintain moisture and prevent contamination.
- Hyperbaric oxygen therapy – Increased oxygen delivery to wounds may help stubborn infections.
- Surgery – Deep infections may require surgical incision and drainage or wound revision.
With appropriate treatment, most infected wounds can heal without causing major complications. Prompt care is key.
Complications of infected wounds
Left untreated, infected wounds can lead to serious complications such as:
- Cellulitis – Deep skin infection causing swelling, pain and redness.
- Abscesses – Pockets of pus require drainage to resolve.
- Necrotizing fasciitis – Rapidly progressing “flesh eating” infection of soft tissues.
- Scarring/contractures – Excessive scar tissue limits range of motion.
- Bone/joint infection – Infection can spread to underlying bones (osteomyelitis).
- Sepsis – Life-threatening systemic infection causing organ failure.
- Gangrene – Loss of blood supply causes tissue death.
- Amputation – Dead damaged tissue may require surgical removal.
Prompt antibiotic treatment and proper wound care reduces the risk of such complications developing.
Preventing wound infections
You can lower your risk of infected wounds by taking these preventive measures:
- Clean all wounds immediately with mild soap and running water. Apply antibiotic ointment and cover.
- Wear protective gear to avoid injury during sports or outdoor activities.
- Keep up to date with tetanus and other vaccinations.
- Manage medical conditions like diabetes that impede wound healing.
- Eat a healthy diet rich in vitamin C and zinc which support tissue repair.
- Avoid picking at scabs or popping blisters which introduces bacteria.
- Control body moisture with powder or moisture-wicking socks to prevent fungal infections.
- Never share personal items like razors or towels that contact open skin.
Practicing good hygiene and first aid can help reduce the incidence of troublesome wound infections.
Conclusion
In summary, it’s best to leave infected wounds uncovered initially to allow drainage and promote healing. Exceptions where light cover may help include protecting the wound or absorbing some drainage. All infected wounds require medical assessment for proper antibiotic treatment. With prompt care, most infected wounds heal without complication. Pay attention for any signs of worsening infection and practice prevention through good hygiene and first aid.
Key Points
- Signs of an infected wound include pus, swelling, redness, pain, heat and foul odor.
- Covering an infected wound can trap bacteria and pus, potentially worsening infection.
- In some cases, light dressing helps protect or absorb drainage from an infected wound.
- All infected wounds need evaluation for antibiotic treatment to prevent complications.
- Proper wound care involves cleaning, antibiotics, debridement, drainage and moisture-balancing dressings.
- Prompt treatment reduces the risks of serious complications like abscesses, sepsis and gangrene.
| Signs of Infection | Benefits of Covering | Risks of Covering |
|---|---|---|
| Pus/discharge | Protects wound | Traps bacteria |
| Odor | Absorbs drainage | Inhibits drainage |
| Swelling/redness | Monitors surgical wounds | Masks worsening infection |
| Pain/heat | Promotes moist healing environment | Leads to further irritation |