How to Recognize When to Seek Medical Help for Wounds

Sometimes you fall and scrape your knee, other times you bang your head or worse. No matter the severity of the initial injury, however, there are times when you need to recognize the need to seek medical care. There are several distinct warning signs that should let you know it's time to take action, so be sure you are being vigilant in your care of a wound. Read on to learn how to recognize when to seek medical help for wounds.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Gauze
• Thermometer
• First aid kit
• Antibacterial ointment

1. Examine wounds regularly. Visual examination is one of the first best ways to tell if a wound is in need of more medical help.
2. Look for signs of pus or other secretions that may be emanating from wounds. When pus is present, it is often a sign of an infection and will require additional medical attention.
3. Pay close attention to the level of swelling in wounds. Increased swelling could signify the presence of an infection. If the swelling is particularly red or accompanies renewed bleeding, seek immediate medical attention.
4. Ask whether or not there is an increase in the pain of the wound. During the healing process, many wounds will be very sore, but if that soreness is accompanied by burning or other sensations then it is likely infected.
5. Check to see whether or not the patient has any other symptoms of problems associated with the wound. Sometimes an infection will end up mimicking flu-like symptoms or those of a simple fever.

Tips & Warnings

• Always use an antibacterial ointment on wounds that are fresh. Antibacterial ointments form a barrier between exposed air and the wound to prevent the introduction of bacteria as well as other harmful particles. They also help to kill any germs already present in wounds.
• Clean wounds with alcohol when you first dress them. This will help to kill any bacteria present at the site of the wound. You should not use alcohol on deep wounds or puncture wounds, however.
• Seek immediate medical attention if a wound ever reopens or if stitches fail. Having an open wound is very dangerous and can often lead to infection.
• Don't wait too long or procrastinate in the hope that it will "just get better" once you recognize that it is time to seek medical attention. Doing so can have serious consequences.
• Understand that powerful prescription pain medication carries the risk of dependence, so never take it more often than as prescribed by your doctor.