Description
Infection of a wound. The most common causes are the bacteria Staphylococcus or Streptococcus. A foreign body in the wound such as gravel, wood or glass increases the likelihood of an infection. Cuts that are very dirty or with injury to the surrounding skin such as a crush injury become infected more frequently.
Symptoms
Redness, swelling, tenderness, cloudy discharge from the wound, fever, red streaks up the arm or leg.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be done. An x-ray or CT scan may be performed to detect a foreign body.
Tests:
CT Scan, X-ray
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Orthopedic Surgery, Pediatrics, Plastic Surgery, Family Practice, Infectious Disease Medicine, Pediatric Infectious Disease Medicine
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be done. An x-ray or CT scan may be performed to detect a foreign body.
Tests:
CT Scan, X-ray
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Orthopedic Surgery, Pediatrics, Plastic Surgery, Family Practice, Infectious Disease Medicine, Pediatric Infectious Disease Medicine
Treatment
The wound needs to be cleaned. If sutures had been placed they may be removed. An x-ray or CT scan may be done to detect a foreign body in the wound. Antibiotics are used as well. If the wound infection is severe intravenous treatment may be given. Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is becoming a more common cause of wound infections, and antibiotics for this bacteria should be considered.