Other symptoms can include fever, dizziness, and nausea and vomiting.
#INFECTED CUT SKIN#
The symptoms of tetanus can include painful muscle spasms, lockjaw, and fever.Ĭuts, grazes, and other breaks in the skin can become infected when bacteria enter the wound and begin to multiply. Tetanus is a potentially fatal condition that occurs when certain bacteria enter the body and release toxins that affect the nerves.
#INFECTED CUT PROFESSIONAL#
A healthcare professional can clean the wound and give the person a shot to protect against tetanus infection if necessary. People with animal bites or wounds from dirty or rusty objects may be at risk of tetanus and should also seek medical attention. A healthcare professional can treat the injury to prevent infection and other complications. People with larger wounds or excessive bleeding will require medical treatment. Protect the injury with gauze or another suitable dressing.Apply an antiseptic ointment to the wound.If it is not possible to use clean water, treat the wound with alcohol wipes. Then, clean the skin around the wound with warm, soapy water. Wash the wound immediately by running clean water over it for several minutes.After sustaining a minor cut or scratch, a person should: If the wound does not show signs of improvement within 1–2 days, see a doctor.Ī person should wash the wound immediately to prevent infection.Ĭleaning and protecting a wound can reduce the risk of infection.Do not pick at the skin or the scab as this can lead to scarring, slow down healing, and increase the risk of infection.Stop using other antiseptic ointments if they cause skin irritation. Avoid using hydrogen peroxide or iodine on the wound as these may cause skin irritation in some people.
![infected cut infected cut](https://images-prod.healthline.com/hlcmsresource/images/Image-Galleries/infected-cut/7403-unifected_cut-1296x728-slide4.jpg)
Replace it immediately if it gets damp or dirty.
![infected cut infected cut](https://cdn.ps.emap.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/06/M3300921-Infected_wound-SPL_660.jpg)
Other tips for treating wounds at home include: There is usually no need to cover minor cuts and scrapes. Allow the skin to air-dry before covering it with gauze or a bandage.
![infected cut infected cut](https://c8.alamy.com/comp/W1EJ71/infected-wound-of-diabetic-foot-W1EJ71.jpg)
![infected cut infected cut](https://www.firstaidforfree.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Infected-cut.jpg)
To treat an infected wound at home, follow these steps: However, more severe wound infections require prompt medical attention, particularly those that occur along with other symptoms, such as fever, feeling unwell, or discharge and red streaks coming from the wound. People with a mild infection of a small wound may be able to treat the wound at home.