The wound swells. Wound healing. Wound inflammation: causes of the inflammatory process at various stages of healing

- this is damage skin and underlying tissues with the formation of a purulent focus. The pathology is manifested by significant swelling, hyperemia of surrounding tissues and intense pain syndrome. The pain can be tugging, bursting, and depriving you of sleep. Dead tissue and accumulations of pus are visible in the wound. General intoxication is observed, accompanied by fever, chills, headache, weakness and nausea. The treatment is complex and includes washing and draining wounds (if necessary, purulent leaks are opened), therapeutic dressings, antibiotic therapy, detoxification therapy, immunocorrective therapy and stimulation of recovery processes.

ICD-10

T79.3 Post-traumatic wound infection, not classified elsewhere

General information

A purulent wound is a tissue defect, the lumen of which contains purulent exudate, and signs of inflammation are detected along the edges. Purulent wounds are the most common complication of clean wounds, both accidental and surgical. According to various sources, despite strict adherence to sterility during operations, the number of suppurations in postoperative period ranges from 2-3 to 30%. The causative agents of the purulent process in random and surgical wounds ah most often become so-called pyogenic microbes (staphylococci, streptococci, etc.). The treatment of previously untreated purulent wounds is carried out by surgeons; the treatment of accidental wounds that festered after PSO is carried out by orthopedic traumatologists. Treatment of festering surgical wounds is the responsibility of the specialists who performed the operation: surgeons, traumatologists, vascular surgeons, thoracic surgeons, neurosurgeons, etc.

Causes

Wounds in the head and neck area heal best. Somewhat more often, suppuration occurs with wounds of the gluteal region, back, chest and abdomen, and even more often with damage to the upper and lower extremities. Foot wounds heal the worst. Good immunity reduces the likelihood of developing purulent wounds with minor bacterial insemination. With significant insemination and satisfactory condition immune system suppuration occurs more violently, but the process is usually localized and ends with recovery faster. Immune disorders cause more sluggish and prolonged healing of purulent wounds. The likelihood of infection spreading and complications developing increases.

Heavy somatic diseases influence general state the body and, as a result, on the likelihood of suppuration and the speed of wound healing. However, especially strong Negative influence due to vascular and metabolic disorders has diabetes. In patients suffering from this disease, purulent wounds can occur even with minor injuries and minor bacterial insemination. In such patients, poor healing and a pronounced tendency for the process to spread are observed. In healthy young people, on average, wounds fester less often than in older people, and in thin people - less often than in overweight people. The likelihood of a wound becoming suppurated increases in summer, especially in hot and humid weather, so elective surgeries recommended during the cold season.

Symptoms of purulent wounds

There are local and general symptoms pathology. TO local symptoms refers to a tissue defect with the presence of purulent exudate, as well as classic signs of inflammation: pain, local increase temperature, local hyperemia, swelling of surrounding tissues and dysfunction. Pain from a purulent wound can be pressing or bursting. When outflow is difficult (due to the formation of a crust, the formation of streaks, the spread of a purulent process), the accumulation of pus and increased pressure in the inflamed area, the pain becomes very intense, twitching and often deprives patients of sleep. The skin around the wound is hot. On initial stages, during the formation of pus, redness of the skin is observed. If the wound persists for a long time, the redness may give way to a purple or purplish-bluish coloration of the skin.

Two types of edema can be distinguished at the site of the lesion. The edges of the wound are warm and inflammatory. Coincides with the zone of hyperemia, caused by impaired blood flow. Distal to the wound – cold reactive. There is no hyperemia in this area, and swelling of the soft tissues is caused by impaired lymph outflow due to compression of the lymph nodes in the area of inflammation. Dysfunction of the affected area is associated with swelling and pain; the severity of the disorder depends on the size and location of the purulent wound, as well as on the volume and phase of inflammation.

The main symptom of a purulent wound is pus - a liquid containing bacteria, tissue detritus, globulins, albumins, enzymes of leukocyte and microbial origin, fats, cholesterol, DNA admixtures and dead leukocytes. The color and consistency of pus depend on the type of pathogen. Staphylococcus is characterized by thick yellow or white pus, for streptococcus - liquid greenish or yellowish, for E. coli - liquid brown-yellow, for anaerobic microbes - brown, foul-smelling, for Pseudomonas aeruginosa - yellowish, shimmering blue-green on the bandage (the pus acquires this shade upon contact with oxygen external environment). The amount of pus can vary significantly. Areas of pus may be found necrotic tissue and granulation.

Toxins enter the patient’s body from the wound, which causes the appearance of symptoms of general intoxication. Characterized by fever, loss of appetite, sweating, weakness, chills, headache. Blood tests reveal an acceleration of ESR and leukocytosis with a shift to the left. A urine test reveals protein. IN severe cases possible increased levels of urea, creatinine and bilirubin in the blood, anemia, leukopenia, dysproteinemia and hypoproteinemia. Clinically, with severe intoxication, severe weakness and disturbances of consciousness, up to coma, can be observed.

Depending on the predominant process, they distinguish next stages purulent process: formation of a purulent focus, cleansing and regeneration, healing. All purulent wounds heal secondary intention.

Complications

With purulent wounds, a number of complications are possible. Lymphangitis (inflammation lymphatic vessels, located proximal to the wound) appears as red stripes directed from the wound to the regional lymph nodes. With lymphadenitis (inflammation of the lymph nodes), regional lymph nodes enlarge and become painful. Thrombophlebitis (inflammation of the veins) is accompanied by the appearance of painful red strands along the saphenous veins. With contact spread of pus, the development of purulent leaks, periostitis, osteomyelitis, purulent arthritis, abscess and phlegmon is possible. The most severe complication purulent wounds is sepsis.

If healing does not occur, the purulent wound may develop into chronic form. Foreign experts consider wounds without a tendency to heal within 4 weeks or more as chronic. Such wounds include bedsores, trophic ulcers, accidental or long-term surgical wounds. non-healing wounds.

Diagnostics

Due to the presence of obvious local signs, diagnosing purulent wounds is not difficult. To exclude the involvement of underlying anatomical structures, radiography, MRI or CT of the affected segment can be performed. IN general analysis blood signs of inflammation are determined. To determine the type and sensitivity of the pathogen, the discharge is inoculated on nutrient media.

Treatment of purulent wounds

Treatment tactics depend on the phase wound process. At the stage of formation of a purulent focus, the main task of surgeons is to clean the wound, limit inflammation, and fight pathogenic microorganisms and detoxification (if indicated). At the second stage, measures are taken to stimulate regeneration, it is possible to apply early secondary sutures or perform skin grafting. At the stage of wound closure, epithelial formation is stimulated.

If pus is present, surgical treatment is performed, which includes dissecting the edges of the wound or skin over the lesion, removing pus, examining the wound to identify leaks and, if necessary, opening these leaks, removing necrotic tissue (necrectomy), stopping bleeding, washing and draining the wound. Sutures are not applied to purulent wounds; the application of rare sutures is allowed only when organizing flow-through drainage. Along with traditional methods treatments for purulent wounds are used modern techniques: vacuum therapy, local ozone therapy, hyperbaric oxygenation, laser treatment, ultrasound treatment, cryotherapy, treatment with a pulsating jet of antiseptic, introduction of sorbents into the wound, etc.

According to indications, detoxification is carried out: forced diuresis, infusion therapy, extracorporeal hemocorrection, etc. All of the above measures, both traditional and modern, are carried out against the background of rational antibiotic therapy and immunocorrection. Depending on the severity of the process, antibiotics may be prescribed orally, intramuscularly or intravenously. In the first days medications are used wide range actions. After determining the pathogen, the antibiotic is replaced taking into account the sensitivity of the microorganisms.

After cleansing the purulent wound, measures are taken to restore anatomical relationships and close the wound (early and late secondary sutures, skin grafting). Secondary sutures are indicated in the absence of pus, necrotic tissue and severe inflammation of surrounding tissues. In this case, it is necessary that the edges of the wound can be compared without tension. If there is a tissue defect and it is impossible to compare the edges of the wound, skin grafting is performed using the island and brand methods, plastic with counter flaps, plastic with a free skin flap or plastic with a skin flap on a vascular pedicle.

Cuts and scrapes - part Everyday life. In most cases, such wounds heal easily. However, sometimes bacteria enter the wound and lead to a potentially dangerous infection. Early recognition of infection facilitates rapid and effective recovery. Most often, taking antibiotics (depending on the severity of the infection) is enough to get better. There are several signs of infection - redness, purulent discharge and pain. The ability to check a wound for infection is an integral part of health care.

Steps

Check for increased pain, redness, swelling and temperature around the wound

Wash your hands. Be sure to wash your hands before examining the wound. If you think the wound is infected, dirty fingers will only make the situation worse. Wash your hands with antibacterial soap and water before touching the wound.

Remember to wash your hands after touching the wound.

Examine the wound carefully. Remove before examining wounds. Do this carefully so as not to damage the sensitive area. If the bandage does stick to the wound, wet it with running water or use a spray bottle.
- Once the bandage is removed, throw it away and never reuse it.
Notice the redness and... Carefully examine the wound and pay attention to the redness: whether it has increased or decreased. If the wound is red and the redness spreads to surrounding tissue, this is a sign of infection.
- The skin around the wound may also feel hot to the touch. If you have any of these symptoms, consult your doctor.
Notice if the pain increases. The appearance or intensification of pain is a sign of spreading infection. Pain alone or along with other symptoms (eg, swelling, heat, pus) is a sign of infection. Consult your doctor if the pain gets worse. Pain may be felt deep in the wound. Thus, swelling around the wound, heat (warmth) and tenderness (pain) are the first signs infected wound.

Do not use antibiotics (unless prescribed by your doctor). Studies have shown that antibiotic ointments do not help treat wound infections. The infection spreads throughout the body, so external use of antibiotics is not effective way fight infection.

Check for pus or fluid

See if yellowish or greenish pus or fluid comes out of the wound. These secretions may have bad smell. If you notice green or yellow pus discharge, the wound is infected. Contact us for medical care As soon as possible.

Notice the accumulation of pus around the wound. If you notice that pus is accumulating under the skin around the wound, then the wound is infected. Even if you see a small collection of pus that does not drain from the wound, or feel a soft, growing lump under the skin, this could be a sign of a serious infection.

After examining the wound, apply a new sterile dressing. If there are no signs of infection, apply a bandage to protect the wound. If there are signs of infection, apply a sterile dressing to protect the wound from further contamination and consult a doctor.

When applying a bandage, make sure that the adhesive surfaces of the bandage (if any) do not come into contact with the wound. The bandage should be large enough to completely cover the wound.

If the wound continues to fester, consult a doctor. Small discharge from the wound may be normal - they mean that the body is fighting an infection. But if yellowish or greenish pus comes out of the wound, consult a doctor. This is especially necessary if, along with the discharge, other symptoms of inflammation described above are observed.

Check for lymphatic system infection

Feel to see if the lymph nodes are enlarged and if there is any pain. If the lymph nodes are swollen or painful to touch, this may indicate an infection, even if there are no red stripes. IN in good condition The size of the lymph node is 1.5 cm and it cannot even be palpated. Lymph nodes can double or even triple in size; in this case you can easily find them.

Take your temperature and assess your overall health

Take your temperature. In addition to the above symptoms of wound infection, you may develop a fever. If the temperature rises to 38 °C, then this is a sign of an infected wound. You should see a doctor without delay if you have a fever and some symptoms of a wound infection.

Notice if your general health. A sign of an infected wound may be general malaise. If you get injured and then feel unwell a few days later, it's most likely related. Check the wound for signs of infection and if it does not improve, consult a doctor.

If you have a headache, dizziness, upset stomach, or vomiting, these are signs of infection. A recent rash is another reason to see a doctor.

Pay attention to the lack of fluid in the body. Dehydration may be a sign of an infected wound. Some of the symptoms of dehydration are: infrequent urination, dry mouth, sunken eyes, dark urine. If you experience these symptoms, immediately check the wound for signs of infection and consult a doctor.
- While fighting the infection, you need to drink enough fluids and stay hydrated.

Know what to do in serious cases

Find out what types of wounds can become infected. Although most wounds heal without difficulty, some factors lead to wound infection. A wound becomes infected if it is not properly cleaned and cared for, or if it is located in an area where it is easier for bacteria to enter (for example, leg wounds). If you are bitten by an animal or even a person, the wound is most likely infected.

Learn about other risk factors for infection. Wounds are most likely to become infected in people with weakened immune systems, such as diabetes, HIV, or malnutrition. Bacteria, viruses and fungi that the body copes with healthy person, penetrate the body of people with weakened immune systems and multiply in it. This is especially true for people with severe burns because their first line of physical defense (skin) has been damaged.

Watch for signs of a serious infection. You may experience elevated temperature and dizziness, as well as rapid heartbeat. The wound will be hot, red, swollen, and painful. You may smell a foul odor, like rotting. All of these symptoms can be mild or very severe, but if you have more than one of them, you need to see a doctor.
- If you feel dizzy or have a fever, do not drive. Ask a friend or relative to take you to the hospital or call ambulance. You may need to be treated with strong antibiotics.
- If in doubt, it is better to consult a doctor. In case of infection, it is not enough to diagnose yourself based on articles from the Internet. Only a doctor can accurately diagnose an infection.
See your doctor. If you think the wound may be infected, contact your surgeon or emergency room. This is especially important if you have a medical condition or another risk factor for infection.

A common pathology that is addressed to surgeons is a purulent wound. This condition requires timely and adequate treatment, to avoid severe consequences. In the treatment of purulent formation, antibacterial agents are used that suppress dangerous microflora and help cleanse it. In addition, it is advisable symptomatic treatment aimed at eliminating pathological symptoms.

In this section you will find answers to the following questions: what are the causes and symptoms of infection of injuries, how to treat purulent wounds, what drugs can be used, what to smear on a purulent wound, how to properly bandage a suppurated wound, and you will find answers to other equally important questions that interest you .

Causes of wound suppuration

Any wound can fester. The process of suppuration develops under the following conditions:

Contamination of the wound, getting into it foreign bodies. This contributes to significant contamination of the wound with bacteria;
Large area of damage, crushing of soft tissues, puncture wound with a narrow and long course;
The presence of areas of necrosis (dead tissue), blood clots in large quantities.

IN modern surgery There are several main reasons that provoke the development of purulent injury:

Symptoms of infection

The clinical picture of a purulent wound is very characteristic. Experts identify both local and general symptoms, the severity of which depends on the type and size of the injury.

Local signs include:

Purulent discharge is visualized in the lumen of the injured area. Their color can range from light yellow to brown. It depends on the causative agent of the infection (staphylococcus, streptococcus, coli, fungi and so on);
Intense pain. In the presence of an unopened abscess or swelling, it is pulsating in nature. Sometimes the pain is unbearable;
Hyperemia(redness) in the area of damage;
Swelling of the surrounding soft tissues;
Local hyperthermia, that is, the skin around the wound is hot to the touch;
If a limb is damaged, its functions are severely impaired.

General signs of pathology are characterized by a violation of the patient’s condition:

Weakness, lethargy;
General hyperthermia is an increase in body temperature, which is accompanied by chills;

Decreased appetite or its complete absence;
Nausea;
At laboratory research blood reveals signs of inflammation; leukocytosis (increase in the number of white blood cells), accelerated ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate).

How to remove pus from a wound

For processing to be effective it is necessary. If there is little pus, then you can simply wash the wound with solutions. However, when heavy discharge the contents of the injury should be drawn out. Drains can be used for this purpose.

Drainage happens:

Local medications are aimed at preventing the spread purulent infection wounds throughout the body. In cases where this type of therapy does not have the desired effect or complications develop, it is indicated general treatment using systemic action.

The following groups of drugs are most often used:

Tetracyclines (Doxycycline);
Semi-synthetic penicillins (Ampiox, Ampicillin);
Macrolides (Azithromycin, Clarithromycin);
Aminoglycosides (Gentamicin, Izepamycin).

System antibacterial drugs are available both in the form of capsules, tablets, and in the form of solutions and powders for injection. What shape medicine The attending physician decides whether to use it in a given situation.

When the infection has spread significantly, it is indicated parenteral administration antibiotics. In severe cases, they are administered intravenously.

It should be remembered that uncontrolled reception antibacterial agents leads to the adaptation of microorganisms to them and the emergence of resistant forms. That is why all prescriptions should be made by a doctor and only if other treatment methods do not work.

Wound dressing and bandage care

It is carried out 1 – 2 times a day depending on its condition.

In some cases, emergency dressing may be required:

Significant contamination and wetting of the bandage;
Appearance bloody discharge, which are clearly visible on the bandages;
Increased pain;
If the bandage has slipped and exposed the wound.

This manipulation is performed by a surgeon and nurse. In case of severe pain, anesthesia is required.

Dressing a purulent wound:

During the day it is necessary to monitor the bandage and monitor its condition. It must be protected from getting wet and dirty. If the bandages are moderately saturated with pus, the nurse should bandage the bandage. If the discharge is heavy or bloody, you should inform your doctor.

Traditional methods of treatment

Valid upon availability small wounds with slight discharge of pus. Before using such methods, you should consult with your surgeon and rule out allergies to the components.

For washing and processing use:

Aloe pulp has a good wound healing effect. The leaf of this plant should be washed, peeled and used whole or crushed (gruel). This compress needs to be changed every 3 hours.

Onions and garlic have antiseptic and antibacterial properties; they are also used in the treatment of purulent wounds. A paste is prepared from them, which is applied to the injury on a napkin. This compress should be secured with a bandage.

Possible complications

Purulent wounds can lead to the development of complications:

Unhealed wound- if for a long time (longer than 7 days) there is no visible tendency towards cleansing and healing;
Lymphangitis– inflammation of the lymphatic vessels located near the injury. There are red strands on the skin. In this case, the infection extends beyond the wound surface;
Lymphadenitis– the infection spreads to regional The lymph nodes. They increase in size (rounded formations are visualized) and hurt. There may be a slight increase in body temperature;
Osteomyelitis- inflammation bone tissue. This condition develops when the infection penetrates deeper into the soft tissue;
Sepsis– general infection of the body, which manifests itself as intoxication. In severe cases, there are signs of brain damage and coma.

Damage to the skin of the extremities often leads to the formation inflammatory process. Various cuts, wounds on the arms and legs can be easily treated at home. But if an infection gets into the damaged area, there is a risk of an abscess. Purulent wounds must be taken seriously and seek medical help in time to eliminate this phenomenon and avoid negative consequences.

Types of wounds on the legs

Injury to the skin on the leg occurs due to the influence various factors(mechanical, thermal, electrical, chemical). For effective treatment the injured limb needs to know what caused the wound formation. To the most common types open wounds problems that people encounter include:

Surgical - appear after surgery.
Accidental - are divided depending on the degree of damage to the soft tissues of the leg. When cut with a sharp object, it forms cut wound, and when the wound is deep and affects internal organs- stabbed.
Torn - usually appear after a fall, accompanied by severe pain and bleeding. Such wounds have an irrational shape.
Bruised - formed as a result of bruises or blows with a blunt object.
Chopped - occur due to the impact of chopping agents (a blow with an axe).
Crushed - are a consequence strong blow when not only the skin is damaged, but also the tissues underneath it.
Scalped or patchy - formed after exposure to sharp objects. These wounds require surgery due to extensive skin peeling.

Causes of inflammation of a wound on the leg

When the infection enters the wounded area of the leg, it leads to suppuration.

Factors that provoke infectious invasion include:

Weakness of the human immune system.
Failure to comply with basic personal hygiene standards.
Unfavorable working conditions (in a dirty, dusty place).
Vitamin deficiency is a lack of important microelements and vitamins in the body.
Irrational eating.
Metabolic disorder.
The presence of some severe pathologies (hepatitis, AIDS, tuberculosis, diabetes, diseases of the cardiovascular system).

Symptoms of pus formation on wounds

The cause of suppuration of the damaged area of the leg is usually streptococcal and staphylococcal bacteria, which, after entering the cut area, form their own microflora.

As a result of this process, necrosis of skin tissue and bacterial proliferation occurs. If the limb begins to fester, you need to consult a doctor, and then begin treatment, following all the doctor’s instructions.

The formation of pus in a wounded leg can be determined by the following symptoms:

Swelling appears near the damaged area, and the skin takes on a reddish tint.
The temperature in the wounded area of the body rises.
The patient is disturbed by pulsating painful sensations that occur inside the wound.
A cloudy, purulent fluid is discharged from the leg.
General weakness of the body, dizziness, nausea.

Treatment for purulent wounds lower limb Necessarily.

If you ignore the disease for a long time, complications will arise that will worsen the health of the sick person.

How to properly treat a wound on the leg?

For the speedy healing of a wound, it is important to properly care for the injured area of the body. Treatment of an inflamed limb after cuts is carried out 2 times a day in accordance with the instructions below:

First you need to disinfect your hands and equipment for the upcoming procedure.
Then carefully remove the old bandage (if the bandage is dry, you should wet it with hydrogen peroxide).
Proceed with caution to remove pus from the wounded leg. The edges of the damaged area must be treated with an antiseptic.
Apply medicine to the wound (if the wound is too deep, you will need drainage or a tampon, which is inserted into the cavity for treatment).
The next step is to cover the damaged surface with a bandage (adhesive plaster, clean gauze bandage).
In especially severe situations, a purulent wound is treated up to 4 times a day.

Treatment options

Treatment of leg wounds - difficult process which takes a lot of time. The effectiveness of health measures depends on the severity of the injury and the patient’s health status. To remove the formed pus on a wounded limb at home - dangerous occupation. Treatment should be comprehensive, aimed at eliminating the infection from the patient’s body.

Ointments and creams

During treatment, you can use the following healing ointments and creams:

Baneocin - helps when the wound on the leg is deep, and also promotes healing for burns.
Levomekol is an excellent anti-infective agent.
Eplan is effective for treating a variety of wounds.
Solcoseryl - relieves pain from the damaged area of the body, promotes speedy healing.
Vishnevsky ointment - used as an effective anti-inflammatory agent, improves blood circulation, eliminates infection.
Heparin - prevents the development of thrombosis, relieves pain and other symptoms of a purulent wound.

Antibacterial therapy

A purulent wound on the leg that appears requires immediate treatment.

For recovery, you can use various antiseptic solutions, which perfectly fight bacteria and microbes. To recommended antibacterial agents relate:

A solution of chlorhexidine or furatsilin is suitable for treating open wounds.
Powder "Streptotsid" - has unique medicinal properties. The damaged limb will heal faster after using this remedy.
Bandage with hypertonic solution applied to the wounded leg to relieve swelling and pain.
Iodine as antibacterial medicine It should not be used (due to the risk of skin burns).
It is also important to use antibiotics orally and give injections to prevent suppuration and remove infection from the body.

Application of pharmacological solutions

The most effective pharmacological drugs that are used in the treatment of wounds are:

Dioxidin - eliminates infection, relieves inflammation, available in the form of an ointment or solution.
Dimexide - unique remedy, has a number of positive properties (antihistamine, analgesic, antibacterial).
Sodium chloride effectively removes pus from the wound and does not have a negative effect on blood cells.

Traditional medicine methods in the treatment of wounds

Non-traditional methods of treating a purulent wound process give the desired result, but only in combination with local therapy and following the doctor's recommendations. Self-medication is allowed in the initial stages. Below is a list of remedies that help treat an injured limb at home:

You can treat the wound medicinal plants. Tinctures and decoctions of calendula, aloe juice, and sea buckthorn oil have excellent anti-inflammatory effects.
Honey is used as an alternative to ointments and creams.
You can wash the wound with a solution of eucalyptus.
To treat purulent wounds, you need to wash the damaged area with horseradish decoction. This product has antimicrobial properties. Instead of horseradish, you can use chamomile. A decoction of this plant prevents infection and prevents infection from entering the body.
Recognized by the majority traditional healers The remedy is aloe pulp. This medicine should be applied to the sore spot to speed up the treatment of a purulent wound.

Possible complications

If the pathology is not treated in time, complications arise. Consequences improper treatment abrasions and purulent wounds are as follows:

The appearance of chronic diseases of the lymphatic vessels (lymphadenitis, lymphangitis).
Thrombophlebitis is inflammation of the walls of capillaries, veins and arteries.
A dangerous complication is the formation of pus on the fingers of the lower extremities.
The spread of suppuration leads to an abscess, periositis, and osteomyelitis.
In extremely severe cases, a person develops sepsis, which often causes death.

Prevention

How long the treatment of a purulent wound will last depends on the degree of neglect of the pathology, but it would be better to prevent infection from entering the body. For this purpose, it is important to adhere to the following rules:

Carefully monitor the condition of the skin.
If purulent blisters or swelling appear, you should seek medical help.
Do not self-medicate without medical advice.
Don't forget about rest and good sleep.
Observe generally accepted rules of personal hygiene.
Eat right - your menu should include foods rich in vitamins necessary for healthy skin.

Any accidental wound can be contaminated with microflora introduced by a wounding weapon or coming from clothing, soil, or skin (primary infection). If microbial flora is introduced into the wound during dressings, such infection is called secondary. The types of microbial flora are extremely diverse, most often these are streptococci, staphylococci, and E. coli. In rare cases, infection with anaerobes occurs.

Development of wound suppuration, signs

During primary infected wounds, a latent period, a period of spread and a period of localization of infection are distinguished. In the first period clinical manifestations no infection. Depending on the type of microbial flora, it lasts from several hours to several days. In the second period, swelling, redness, swelling, pain appear around the wound, lymphangitis and lymphadenitis develop. In the third period, the process is limited, further spread of infection and absorption of toxic products into the blood stops, and the formation of a granulation shaft occurs.

Factors contributing to the development of wound suppuration

Factors contributing to the development of infection in a wound include the pathogenicity of the microbial flora, contamination of the wound, long tortuous wound channel, the presence of a hematoma, numerous cavities, poor outflow from the wound. Exhaustion and decreased immunoreactivity negatively affect the course of the inflammatory-purulent process. The infection remains limited to the wound for the first 6-8 hours. Microbes and their toxins spread through the lymphatic tract, causing inflammation of the lymphatic vessels and nodes. As suppuration develops, redness of the skin, swelling of the edges of the wound, and severe pain on palpation are noted.

Symptoms of wound suppuration, what a purulent wound looks like

General reaction the body is expressed in an increase in body temperature, increased heart rate, and an increase in the number of leukocytes in the blood. When examining the wound, pus is found. Pus is an inflammatory exudate with a significant content of protein, cellular elements, microbial flora, and wound enzymes. At the beginning of the inflammatory process, the pus is liquid, later it becomes thick. The type of pus, smell, color depend on the microbial flora that caused the inflammatory process. Over time, in old purulent cavities, the microbial flora in the pus disappears or loses its virulence.

"Festering wounds" and other articles from the section Surgical diseases