Infected Wounds: When to See a Doctor
Friday, May 10th, 2019, 9:46 amMost cuts and scrapes do not require the attention of a doctor. You can treat most minor injuries at home with bandages and antibiotic ointment. However, there are some cases in which a doctor needs to be seen for injuries. When wounds become infected, you may need a doctor’s care to treat the infection appropriately and prevent further damage. Here’s when to see a doctor for an infected wound.
Redness and Swelling
Some wound infections are minor and can be treated at home with antibiotic ointment and keeping the area clean. Yet when the area becomes extremely red and swollen it becomes necessary to see a doctor. Your wound may have even partially healed, but be red and swollen underneath the healed cut or scrape. In these cases, it may be necessary to reopen the wound and remove the infection.
Red Streaks
If you notice red streaks or lines from the wound going up your skin toward your heart, you should see a doctor right away. This is a sign that your wound has become so infected that it is affecting your blood. Such infections are very serious and if left untreated can even become deadly. Even if you have been treating your wound at home, if you see red streaks you should see a doctor right away.
Not Healing
If you have a wound that has failed to heal at all even with adequate at home care, it could be a sign of a serious infection that is preventing healing from occurring. It is important that if you have a wound that shows no improvement over the course of several days that you see a doctor for treatment.
If you have an infected wound, there is no need to visit a hospital or wait to see your doctor. At our urgent care we can see you right away, even with a walk in and no appointment. Contact us today for more information.
Category: Infections