Wound Infection (Cut Infection)
Description
Infection of a wound. The most common causes are the bacteria Staphylococcus or Streptococcus. A foreign body in the wound such as gravel, wood or glass increases the likelihood of an infection. Cuts that are very dirty or with injury to the surrounding skin such as a crush injury become infected more frequently.
Symptoms
Redness, swelling, tenderness, cloudy discharge from the wound, fever, red streaks up the arm or leg.
Tests
A history and physical exam will be done. A xray or CT scan may be performed to detect a foreign body.
- CT Scan
- X-Ray
Treatment
The wound needs to be cleaned. If sutures had been placed they may be removed. An xray or CT scan may be done to detect a foreign body in the wound. Antibiotics are used as well. If the wound infection is severe intravenous treatment may be given. Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is becoming a more common bacteria and antibiotics for this bacteria should be considered.
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Research
- Family Practice
- Infectious Disease Medicine
- Internal Medicine
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Pediatric Infectious Disease Medicine
- Pediatrics
- Plastic Surgery
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