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A wound is a break in the continuity of the outer shells (skin, mucosa) and deeper tissues. This condition manifests itself as pain, bleeding, and parting. We generally find skin lesions, but the wound may extend into body cavities and internal organs.
What are the complications of wounds?
The wound causes not only significant blood loss, but also carries the risk of local or systemic infection. Through a wound, as through an open door, along with wounding objects, pathogenic microorganisms can enter the body from the skin, underwear, clothes, soil, water, etc., which very quickly cause inflammation – usually local, but sometimes also general infection.
For difficult-to-heal wounds, burns, frostbite, bedsores or chafing and abrasions, we recommend Mediskin Aqua Cream for diaper rash and bedsores, which can be used by both children and adults.
Wound suppuration
Wounds that are characterized by ragged edges and those that are contaminated with mud or fragments of clothing become infected much more easily and faster, as there are favorable conditions for the multiplication of purulent and putrefying bacteria. Almost every wound that is not properly treated is at risk of suppuration.
Wound infection is characterized by severe pain, burning and throbbing sensations, as well as reddening of the edges and the presence of purulent discharge. In general, suppuration increases the wound healing time considerably and allows infection from the wound to spread throughout the body. It happens that when bacteria are very malignant and immunity is lowered, infection can be very dangerous and even lead to death.
A much more dangerous complication of purulent wounds are putrefactive (anaerobic) bacteria, which cause the so-called gas gangrene and rabies virus and tetanus bacteria.
- Also try wounds plasters
- For example, Thormentiol is used superficially in purulent wounds
In order for the wound to heal properly and to prevent complications, it is worth using appropriate dressings. At Medonet Market you will find convenient and effective products. We recommend, for example, Activon Tube – a dressing in a tube with manuka honey or Suprasorb A + Ag calcium alginate antibacterial dressing. Before applying the selected dressing, the wound should be well decontaminated. For this purpose, you can order Octenilin for cleansing and disinfecting wounds in a liquid or Octenilin – a gel for cleansing and moisturizing wounds. The wound healing process can also be supported with appropriate supplementation. Try BeautyMe Health Labs – collagen with vitamin C.
Gas gangrene
Complications caused by putrefactive, anaerobic germs, causing the so-called gas gangrene, and tetanus bacteria and rabies virus.
Gas gangrene is a rare but very serious disease, usually leading to death. If the bacteria that cause gas gangrene get into the wound with soil or lint, they will cause the tissues to decompose and generate gases. Crushed muscles are particularly susceptible to rotting.
The first symptoms are: pain and a feeling of tension in the wound that was not previously painful, significant swelling in the wound area, with the characteristic crackling sound caused by the presence of gases in the tissues. Appearing discharge from the wound becomes rash, it resembles meat washings. The patient’s general condition deteriorates rapidly, and there is light-headedness. Body temperature may be lower than normal. The disease progresses very quickly, sometimes within hours of being injured.
Treatment
Therefore, the patient’s condition and prognosis depend on the earliest possible diagnosis and transport to the hospital as soon as possible. In many cases, surgical intervention is necessary. Oxygen hyperbaric treatment has a beneficial effect.
As an auxiliary in the treatment and healing of wounds, it is worth using GranuSept Wound Hydrogel, which cleans and moisturizes wounds, accelerating their healing. We also recommend Calendula liniment with betulin for skin problems, which can be purchased at a promotional price on Medonet Market.
Tetanus
Every cut and wound can become infected with tetanus. Wounds contaminated with earth, caused by an accident on the street or while working in the garden, are considered particularly dangerous. It is usually difficult to determine whether or not a wound has been infected with tetanus, which is why airborne wounds should not be ignored.
In the event of such injuries, preventive measures are necessary. It includes the earliest possible administration of anti-tetanus serum and surgical dressing of the wound. In patients who have been vaccinated against tetanus, a booster dose of this vaccine – the toxoid is given, while in unvaccinated patients it is usually necessary to complete the vaccination course.
Rabies
Rabies is a particularly dangerous complication of wounds bitten by animals suffering from rabies. This complication can occur even as a result of slight damage to the mucous membranes or skin, contaminated with animal saliva.
First aid
If an animal that has bitten a human is suspected to be sick with rabies or is unknown, but has escaped and cannot be monitored, a prophylactic rabies vaccine should be started immediately. if the dog is known, has been vaccinated against rabies, and the circumstances of the accident justify the biting, it is possible to wait for the administration of the vaccine until the end of observation and examination of the animal. The veterinarian will determine if the dog is healthy, and the medical doctor will determine if there are any indications for vaccination.
To avoid wound complications and infections, it is important to react quickly as soon as they appear. The wound should be well decontaminated and then protected, for example with a silver dressing for wounds Aquacel Extra Ag + ConvaTec. To assist in wound healing, use, for example, Lecoxen – a wound healing cream or the L-Mesitran Gel Soft honey wound ointment available at Medonet Market.
Read also: Fatal Injury – When Can It Occur?