Skin protects the body from infection. Breaks in the skin can occur through punctures (like a nail or a thorn), abrasions (scrapes or scratches), or lacerations (rips in the skin tissue). Healthy individuals can develop infections through wounds in the skin. However, it is more likely that persons with underlying immune system (the body's ability to fight infection) problems will develop wound infections if a break in their skin occurs. The October 26, 2005, issue of JAMA includes an article about use of supplemental oxygen to decrease the risk of surgical wound infections.
Redness, warmth, and tenderness in the area of the wound
Pus—a foul-smelling, yellowish-white fluid coming from the wound
Fever
Grahic Jump Location
Older age
Diabetes
Immune system disorders, cancer, human immunodeficiency virus infection, and malnutrition
Paralysis or other limited mobility (wheelchairs, confined to bed)
Hospitalization, which increases risk for infection by organisms that are resistant to antibiotics
Death of surrounding tissue, including muscle, connective tissue, or bones, which may require surgical debridement (removal of dead tissue)
Spread of the infection to the bloodstream, involving other organs
Septic shock, a critical illness involving the whole body, which may require intensive care and life support and lead to multiple organ failure or death
The incision (cut) in the skin performed for an operation can become infected. Surgical wound infections can range from redness surrounding a small portion of the incision to deeper infections involving underlying muscles or to a severe infection spread through the bloodstream. Doctors take precautions to prevent surgical wound infections, including use of sterile (free from germs) procedures and instruments and appropriate use of antibiotics. Risk factors for surgical wound infections include diabetes, emergency procedures, smoking, severe obesity, altered immune function, malnutrition, low body temperature, and long operation times.
Treating wound infections depends on the nature of the wound, degree of infection, and the bacteria responsible for the infection. All wounds should be cleaned, any foreign materials (such as dirt or splinters) removed, and any pus drained. Prescription antibiotics may be necessary to treat the infection and prevent its spread. A tetanus vaccine booster shot may be indicated to prevent the occurrence of tetanus (lockjaw), a serious illness that includes severe muscle spasms. Severe infections or infections that occur in persons with medical problems may require hospitalization and intravenous (through a vein directly into the bloodstream) antibiotics. In the case of sepsis or septic shock, intensive care and life support may be needed.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention800/311-3435http://www.cdc.gov
American College of Surgeons800/621-4111http://www.facs.org
To find this and previous JAMA Patient Pages, go to the Patient Page link on JAMA's Web site at http://www.jama.com. Many are available in English and Spanish.
Sources: American College of Surgeons, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The JAMA Patient Page is a public service of JAMA. The information and recommendations appearing on this page are appropriate in most instances, but they are not a substitute for medical diagnosis. For specific information concerning your personal medical condition, JAMA suggests that you consult your physician. This page may be photocopied noncommercially by physicians and other health care professionals to share with patients. To purchase bulk reprints, call 718/946-7424.
TOPIC: INFECTIONS
Country-Specific Mortality and Growth Failure in Infancy and Yound Children and Association With Material Stature
Use interactive graphics and maps to view and sort country-specific infant and early dhildhood mortality and growth failure data and their association with maternal
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