Wound infection

Wound Infection

Wound infection (pronunciation: /wuːnd ɪnˈfɛkʃən/) is a medical condition that occurs when a wound is contaminated by microorganisms, primarily bacteria.

Etymology

The term "wound infection" is derived from the Old English "wund" meaning injury, and the Latin "infectio" meaning to dye or stain.

Definition

A wound infection is a complication that can occur after an injury or surgery. It happens when bacteria enter a break in the skin and multiply, causing redness, swelling, warmth, and pain. In severe cases, wound infections can spread to other parts of the body and can lead to serious health problems.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a wound infection may include:

• Redness and swelling around the wound
• Increased pain in the wound area
• Pus or cloudy fluid draining from the wound
• Fever or chills

Causes

Wound infections are caused by bacteria, most commonly Staphylococcus aureus. Other bacteria that can cause wound infections include Streptococcus pyogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli.

Treatment

Treatment for wound infections typically involves cleaning the wound, applying topical antibiotics, and in some cases, taking oral antibiotics. In severe cases, hospitalization and intravenous antibiotics may be necessary.

Prevention

Prevention of wound infections involves proper wound care, including cleaning and dressing the wound properly, and in some cases, taking prophylactic antibiotics.

Related Terms

• Surgical site infection
• Cellulitis
• Abscess
• Sepsis
• Antibiotics

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Wound infection
• Wikipedia's article - Wound infection

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