WOUND INFECTION
Symptoms | When to call | Homecare Advice
HOME CARE ADVICE FOR MILD REDNESS OF
WOUND
- Warm Soaks or Local
Heat:
If the wound is open, soak it in warm water or put a warm wet cloth on the wound
for 20 minutes 3 times per day. Use a warm saltwater solution containing
2 teaspoons of table salt per quart of water. If the wound is closed, apply
a heating pad or warm, moist washcloth to the reddened area for 20 minutes 3
times per day.
-
Antibiotic Ointment: Apply an antibiotic ointment 3 times a day. If
the area could become dirty, cover with a Band-Aid or a clean gauze dressing.
-
Pain Medication: For pain relief, take acetaminophen every 4-6 hours
(e.g. Tylenol; adult dosage 650 mg) OR ibuprofen every 6-8 hours (e.g. Advil,
Motrin; adult dosage 400 mg).
- Do not take ibuprofen if you have stomach problems, kidney disease,
are pregnant, or have been told by your doctor to avoid this type of anti-inflammatory
drug. Do not take ibuprofen for more than 7 days without consulting your doctor.
- Do not take acetaminophen if you have liver disease.
- Read the package instructions thoroughly on all medications
that you take.
-
Expected Course: Pain and swelling normally peak on day 2. Any redness
should go away by day 3 or 4. Complete healing should occur by day 10.
-
Contagiousness: For true wound infections, you can return to work
or school after any fever is gone and you have received antibiotics for 24 hours.
- Call Your Doctor If:
- Wound becomes more tender
- Redness starts to spread
- Pus, drainage or fever occurs
- You become worse or develop any of the "Call Your Doctor"
symptoms.
Disclaimer:
This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical
advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full
responsibility for how you choose to use this information.
Adult SelfCareNavigator. Copyright © 2000-2004
David Thompson, M.D. FACEP
Reviewed 8/2004
Revised 8/2003
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