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By: Marie K. Metcalf, Thu Mar 11th, 2010
A wound infections occurs when germs enter an opening in the skin. These microbes, called bacteria, bind to tissues causing longer to heal wounds and other signs and symptoms.
Wounds may be perforations (holes), tears (lacerations), incisions (cuts) or burns. They are more likely to become infected deep ulcers (open sores), burns, bite wounds large or other injuries. The wound infection also occurs in small wounds that were not treated.
When entering a wound by the bacteria, this can become infected. There are different types of bacteria. More than one type of bacteria can infect his wounds at the same time. The bacteria that normally live on the skin often first come into the wound. An opening in the skin gives them the opportunity to enter and cause infection.
The bacteria can come from the environment such as land, air or water. If an object like a nail caused the wound, the bacteria can come from it. If you were bitten by an animal or a person, you probably also have its saliva (spit) to cause infection.
Anything that reduces the body's ability to heal the wounds they put at risk for a wound becomes infected. Factors that affect wound healing may include any of the following:
Diseases: Diseases such as diabetes (high blood sugar), or liver cancer, kidney or lung make healing more slowly.
Foreign Objects: The dead tissue and foreign objects such as glass or metal stuck in the wound can delay wound healing.
Poor blood supply or poor oxygenation: The blood supply may decrease by high blood pressure and blocked or narrowed blood vessels. This is a common problem in people who smoke or who have problems with blood vessels or heart conditions. The low supply of oxygen is caused by certain blood diseases, heart and lungs.
Repeated Trauma: The constant pressure to wounds increases the risk of wound infection and delayed healing.
Surgery may also occur in the cuts infection during surgery is called surgical site infection (SSI).
Weak immune system: The immune system is the body that fights infection. The immune system is weakened by poor nutrition and certain medications, such as anticancer drugs or steroids.
Your doctor will ask about your health. Ask if you have any illness, what medications you take and if you have had surgery. The also need to know when and how he suffered his injury.
Treatment depends on the severity of infection in the wound, its location and whether it affects other areas. It also depends on how long you have had the infection.
Marie K. Metcalf
4596 Ryder Avenue
Seattle, WA 98109