Healthy vs Infected Wounds: Common Myths and Facts

Wounds caused by accidents, surgeries, minor cuts, or scrapping, are painful and require careful treatment for proper healing. Following a proper regimen, including under medical supervision if possible, is central to healthy healing.

There are plenty of myths out there about wound healing. People do not always have the relevant information and more often than not believe in “grandma” tales. For example, people commonly believe that leaving a wound open to heal is a good idea (it’s not) or that scabs are indicative of a healing wound whereas it is only a part of the healing stages of a wound.

This blog will clarify common misconceptions and provide facts about a healthy vs infected wound. Let’s start by exploring some common myths around wound healing. It is important to be aware of these as wounds left untreated or poorly managed can lead to additional complications.

Top 4 Myths and Facts Related to Healthy vs Infected Wounds

Myth 1: All Redness Means Infection

Fact: It’s common for there to be redness surrounding a wound when healing. That would indicate a rise in blood flow to that area. One should assume it is problematic when the redness persists and also appears with sensations of pain and swelling.

Myth 2: Keeping a Wound Dry is Better

Fact: While it sounds logical, however, the opposite is actually true. Cleaning a wound with soap and clean water regularly will not only prevent infection but also help with healing faster.

Myth 3: Scabs Always Mean Healing

Fact: Scabs cover the wound, but bacteria get lodged inside when not cleaned. Cleaning and dressing a wound is the safest way of healing under the scab.

Myth 4: It’s OK if the Wound takes Longer to Heal

Fact: Various factors affect the time to heal. However, in most cases, if the body is taking extra time to heal a wound on its own, medical advice is strongly recommended to avoid unnecessary complications. For many patients, this means seeking the aid of a wound care doctor and specialized treatments such as hyperbaric oxygen therapy to speed the healing process.

So, What Can We Do?

Let’s first understand what we call a “healthy wound”. A healthy wound is clean, covered, and healing with pink granulation tissue. It shouldn’t bleed easily, and it shouldn’t be infected. The pink/ red tissue coloration is normal. It shows that the body is healing. The fluid in a healthy wound helps clean up the wound.

Signs of Healthy Wound

1. In a healthy wound, pain decreases gradually.
2. Redness fades and does not spread.
3. New skin over the wound.
4. No pus, discharge, or foul odor.

On the other hand, an “infected wound” is the opposite of a healthy wound. The wound is colonized by bacteria and may show signs of inflammation and redness. There is drainage of pus, which could be yellow or green but with a bad smell. This wound will need medical attention to heal properly.

Signs of Infected Wound

1. In an infected wound, pain increases instead of decreasing.
2. Redness spreads or swelling.
3. Pus or foul odor discharge.
4. Fever or chills.

Tips for Maintaining Healthy Wound Healing

Proper management of the wound helps to improve its healing condition. It will prevent additional infections or complications within the wound. Here are some well-established guidelines for healthy wound care. Remember, there is no substitute for proper medical advice.

1. Wash your hands: You should always wash your hands with soap and water before touching the wound. This reduces the risk of introducing bacteria. Also, wash your hands after touching the wound to prevent spreading any bacteria to other surfaces.
2. Clean the wound daily: You can clean the wound daily with clean water or a mild antiseptic. Your medical provider may prescribe any specific cleaning agents as may be necessary.
3. Keep it Covered: Always put a clean, sterile dressing over the wound. This will cover the dirt and bacteria entering the wound and keep it moist as it heals. It is important to change the dressing periodically to help with the healing process.
4. Avoid Picking at Scabs: While sometimes irritating and itchy, avoid the urge to pick at scabs, The scab is covering the wound and is helping with the healing process. Scabs will eventually fall off on their own as the wound heals.
5. Watch for infections or any redness: Swelling or redness with pus along the wound’s edges will indicate infection. If so, immediately reach out to a medical provider.

When to see a Doctor for a Healthy vs Infected Wound?

You should seek a doctor immediately if you spot even the most minor infection symptoms or if your wound doesn’t heal. Some infections have the worst complications.

We at Vayu Advanced Wound Clinic & Hyperbarics have extensive training and expertise in advanced wound care including Hyperbaric treatments. Our team of professionals provides safe and effective care. If you are struggling with your wound, reach out to us today.

FAQs:

1. How do I know that my wound is healing?

   It heals well when pain and redness are reduced and no pus develops. It may also present either crusting or clear fluid secretion.

2. When do I know how to take care of my wound?

   You should care for a wound immediately, otherwise, it will get painful, red, swollen, or worse. Wounds that have pus or smell mean they have become infected and require medical attention.

3. Can mild infections heal with treatment and without visiting a doctor?

   Minor infected wounds may heal with proper cleaning and dressing. However, if you notice any redness, swelling, or otherwise any worsening, reach out to your medical provider immediately for a check-up.

4. How do I make sure my scab doesn’t get infected?

   To ensure your scab doesn’t get infected, keep the area clean, dry, and avoid picking at it. Apply an antibiotic ointment if recommended and cover it with a sterile bandage. Healthy scabs are dry, firm, and protective, while infected scabs may appear red, swollen, or ooze pus.

5. How can I tell is my cut infected or just healing?

   Healing cuts typically form a scab, may itch, and show mild redness around the edges. However, if you notice increasing redness, swelling, warmth, pus, or pain, these may be signs of infection. When in doubt, consult a wound care specialist to determine if it’s a normal part of healing or an infection.