Treating infected wounds helps the body to restore balance while giving you relief from any pain you may be experiencing. Knowing how to properly treat infected wounds with the assistance of a doctor or by doing so yourself is a way to heal properly and get back on track without a constant reminder of pain or worrying that the wound may become infected even more. The quicker you choose to begin treating infected wounds, the easier it is to ensure your body is healing in a timely manner, regardless of the extent of the infected wound itself.
Top 4 Treatments for Infected Wounds
- Wound cleanings and dressings
- Antibiotics
- NSAIDs
- Surgery or medical procedures
Wound Cleanings and Dressings
Whenever you have a wound that is in the healing process, properly cleaning the area and utilizing the right dressings (provided by a doctor or purchased by yourself), quickens the healing of the area on your body. Using traditional alcohol and peroxide is necessary to remove bacteria buildup in an open wound that is exposed (even if you keep the would dressed at most time). Using dressings including sterile pads and bandages, it is important to keep the wound cleaned during the changing of the dressings themselves. Wash any open wound each time you apply a new dressing to it in order to ensure there is the least amount of bacteria present while the wound is healing. Changing the dressing of your wound that is infected is also imperative to allow oxygen to reach the wound itself, adding to the healing without additional bacteria causing the infection to worsen.
Highlights:
- Must kill bacteria before applying dressing.
- Pads and bandages can be used together.
- Doctors should apply dressings to serious wounds.
Antibiotics
In many cases, doctors often prescribe traditional antibiotics if you have an open wound that has become infected. If you are prescribed an antibiotic, it is essential to take them as prescribed even if you are to do so for an entire month. Do not miss a dose of the antibiotic, as it is actively fighting against the infection in your skin and within your body. Missing dosages of antibiotics or stopping them altogether can worsen the infection, causing you to make another trip to your doctor’s office or even to the ER. There are various antibiotics on the market for different bacterial infections and infections caused by open wounds, so be sure you truly understand the medication you are given before taking it.
Highlights:
- Obtainable by prescription.
- Don’t miss dosages of antibiotics.
- Antibiotics available in pill and topical form.
NSAIDs
In addition to antibiotics and self-care at home, a doctor may also prescribe a NSAID. NSAIDs are useful as anti-inflammatory medications, helping swelling of a wound to subside the infection you have while also providing pain relief. Ask about various NSAIDs that may work for you based on the severity of your infection and your body’s reaction to anti-inflammatory medicines.
Highlights:
- Available over-the-counter.
- Can be used with most other treatments.
- Low chance of side effects.
Surgery or Medical Procedures
If you have a wound that is infected without relief from self-care, NSAIDs, or antibiotics, a surgical procedure may be necessary. Be sure to follow up with your primary care physician throughout the process of attempting to heal your wound to determine the next steps in order to restore your skin and rid the infection entirely. Surgery is often only necessary if the infection is not capable of healing or if it is spreading to other areas of the body.
Highlights:
- Necessary to prevent further complications.
- Follow-up care might be needed.
- Surgery might impact other treatment regimens.
Conclusion
Any time you have a wound that is infected or requires treatment it is highly advisable to seek medical attention to get the care required for recovery. If you have already visited a physician or hospital, keeping up with antibiotics, wound cleanings, and dressings is essential to heal properly and effectively.