A purulent wound is a damage to the skin and soft tissues, characterized by the development of pathogenic microorganisms, the presence of pus, necrosis, swelling, pain and intoxication of the body. The formation of a purulent wound can occur as a complication due to infection of the resulting wound (punctured, cut or other) or breakthrough of the internal abscess. The risk of developing purulent wounds increases several times in the presence of somatic diseases (for example, diabetes), as well as during the warm period of the year.
How is purulent wounds treated?
If a purulent wound is found on the leg, arm or other part of the body, treatment should be carried out immediately. Later or inadequate treatment can lead to various complications (periostitis, thrombophlebitis, osteomyelitis, sepsis , etc.) or to the development of a chronic process.
Treatment of purulent wounds should be comprehensive and include the following main areas:
- removal of pus and necrotic tissues;
- reduction of swelling and inflammation;
- control of pathogenic microflora;
- stimulation of tissue regeneration;
- detoxification therapy;
- immunocorrecting therapy.
Antibiotics for Purulent Wounds
In the treatment of purulent wounds, antibiotics of both local and systemic action can be used, depending on the severity of the lesion. Because in the early days of the causative agent of infection is not known, at the beginning of the treatment using a wide range of drugs:
- penicillins;
- cephalosporins;
- tetracyclines and others.
Antibiotics of systemic action are prescribed in the form of tablets or injections. In the first stage of the suppurative process, irrigation can be carried out with antibacterial solutions, wound healing with antibiotic gel, chipping with antibiotic solution of neighboring tissues. In the second stage, ointments and creams with antibiotics are used to treat wounds.
How to care for a purulent wound?
Algorithm for purulent wound dressing:
- Disinfect hands.
- Carefully remove the old bandage (cut with scissors, and in case of drying the bandage to the wound - pre-soak
antiseptic solution). - Treat the skin around the wound with an antiseptic in the direction from the periphery to the wound.
- Wash the wound with an antiseptic with cotton swabs, remove pus (blotting movements).
- Dry the wound with a dry sterile swab.
- Apply an antibacterial drug to the wound with a spatula or apply a cloth moistened with the product.
- Cover the wound with gauze (at least 3 layers).
- Secure bandage with adhesive tape, bandage or glue bandage.