Small hazards that lead to minor cut or injuries can sometimes be unavoidable. A cut can appear anywhere on the body. When germs get into the sensitive tissues via the cut, it is quite possible the cut may become infected. Watch out because an infection could spread any time between two or three days after the cut has occurred.

Read this blog by #SliceOfHealth to learn how to identify an infected cut, how to treat it and prevent this condition.

 

How to identify the cut

The skin that surrounds the cut is often red and may make you feel uncomfortable. You’ll likely notice some swelling in the affected area. As the infection develops, it may begin to discharge a yellow substance called pus.

Seek immediate medical attention if you have these signs of infection:

 

• Redness from the infection spreads to other areas, often in streaks

• You have aches and pains or a fever

• You feel a general sense of malaise

 

These symptoms indicate that the infection has begun to spread.

How to treat an infected cut at home?

If you’ve only just begun to notice that your cut is looking a little red around the edges, you may be able to treat it at home.

• Wash the infected area with soap and water
• Use antiseptic solutions on the first day (not more than once)
• After cleaning the wound, let it dry and apply an antibiotic ointment
• Cover the wound with a bandage until new skin has developed over the wound

Tip- If the redness continues to spread or the wound begins to discharge the pus, seek medical attention ASAP.

See a doctor immediately if:

• you suspect there may be a foreign body inside your cut
• you can’t stop the bleeding
• the cut is very large
• the wound is caused by an animal or human bite

Monitor your cut closely and if you find the slightest sign of infection, treat it immediately. The earlier an infection is caught, the more quickly and easily it can be treated.