The skin constitutes a protective barrier against external aggressions. It protects us from multiple attacks. Multiple germs survive in the environment around us.
The skin with its outer layer called the epidermis, the dermis, and the subcutaneous cellular tissue prevent these germs from entering our body.
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Infected Wounds – Skin
There are germs on the skin that can be harmful if they penetrate it.
Among them, Staphylococcus stands out as responsible for most skin infections. When a wound becomes infected, the phenomena mentioned in the previous section may appear. It becomes red, swollen, and hot, followed by a foul-smelling, dirty-looking discharge.
Moreover. The most common cause is poor cleaning. Therefore, the primary prevention lies in proper cleaning and removal of foreign bodies, as well as avoiding contact with dirt. This is the main reason to protect or dress a wound without causing maceration. A closed and poorly breathable environment can facilitate the growth of more aggressive germs/
Guidelines For Skin
Alcohol can remove the protective layer of many bacteria, weakening them and favoring their destruction. The use of antibiotics must be evaluate by a physician, who must decide whether to use them topically (for mild or uncomplicate infections) or orally (sometimes the only way to correctly reach the infected area). The presence of an infection in the wound makes it difficult to heal.
Immunosuppressed people with poor skin vascularization, such as diabetics, should be especially cautious. In these cases, prevention involves avoiding the appearance of any wound and keeping the skin in good condition (removing calluses, moisturizing it properly, etc.).
Skin – Tips
- Wounds should be adequately clean, removing any foreign body or dirt. To do this, we can apply pressurized water to the damage.
- Once the wound is clean, apply some antiseptic, leaving it to act for at least five to ten minutes. We can use any that we have on hand (alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, etc.), monitoring its expiration date and the excellent conservation of the container.
- Cover the wound immediately to protect it from dirt or friction, or if it bleeds, prevent bleeding. For this, we can use clean bandages or clothes until it is assessed by medical service. If the wound is large, it may exude a serous fluid that becomes sticky on contact with air. In these cases, do not apply cotton or stringy tissues to the wound.
- Periodically monitor the wound for any signs of infection, especially if it has to be cover or is hidden by a fold.
Caution
Go to a medical service when:
- Excruciating swelling or redness is observe around the wound, separating the edges of the damage.
- A foul-smelling, dirty fluid appears from the wound.
- The bottom of the wound ceases to have a red or “fleshy” appearance, appearing in its place a tissue with a devitalized, white or greenish appearance.
When a wound becomes infect, if the pus is not evacuate, it is difficult for it to heal. It should never be handled by untrained personnel due to the risk of favoring the spread of infection or even spreading germs into the blood.
Infections located in the paranasal region due to the proximity of vessels that communicate with the circulatory system (predominantly venous) of the brain and those located near a bone (foreleg) should be carefully monitor due to the risk that the infection spreads to that area (osteomyelitis).
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