Community Health Network

Wound Infection
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Impetigo of Elbow

Lymphangitis - Left Forearm

Wound Infection - Suture Site

Definition

A break in the skin or a sutured wound shows signs of infection

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Symptoms of Wound Infections

Pus or cloudy fluid is draining from the wound
A pimple or yellow crust has formed on the wound
The scab has increased in size
Increasing redness occurs around the wound
A red streak is spreading from the wound toward the heart
The wound has become extremely tender
Pain or swelling is increasing 48 hours after the wound occurred
The lymph node draining that area of skin may become large and tender
A fever occurs
The wound hasn't healed within 10 days after the injury

Return to School

For true wound infections, your child can return to day care or school after the fever is gone and your child has received antibiotics for 24 hours.

If not, see these topics

Stitches and not infected, see SUTURE QUESTIONS

Should I
Call?

Care at
Home

When to Call Your Doctor

	Call 911 Now (your child may need an ambulance) If
	Not moving or too weak to stand
	Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If
	Your child looks or acts very sick Fever occurs Red streak runs from the wound Increasing redness around the wound Severe pain in the wound Any face wound with signs of infection
	Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9 am and 4 pm) If
	You think your child needs to be seen Pus or cloudy drainage from the wound Pimple where a stitch comes through the skin Wound becomes more painful or tender after the 2nd day
	Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If
	You have other questions or concerns
	Parent Care at Home If
	Mild redness of wound and you don't think your child needs to be seen

Symptom
Description

Care at
Home

HOME CARE ADVICE FOR MILD REDNESS OF WOUND

Warm Soaks or Local Heat:
- For open cuts or scrapes, soak it in warm water or put a warm wet cloth on the wound for 20 minutes 3 times per day. Use a warm saltwater solution containing 2 teaspoons of table salt per quart of water.
- For closed or sutured cuts, apply a heating pad or warm, moist washcloth to the reddened area for 20 minutes 3 times per day.
- Cautions for sutured wounds: Avoid any moisture to wound for first 24 hours. Never soak the wound before all sutures are removed.
Antibiotic Ointment: Apply an antibiotic ointment 3 times a day. If the area could become dirty, cover with a Band-Aid.
Pain Medicine: For pain relief, give acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) or ibuprofen.
Fever Medicine:
- Fevers only need to be treated with medicine if they cause discomfort. That usually means fevers above 102Â° F (39Â° C).
- Give acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) or ibuprofen (e.g., Advil). See Dosage Charts.
Expected Course:
- Pain and swelling normally peak on day 2.
- Any redness should go away by day 3 or 4.
- Complete healing should occur by day 10.
Contagiousness: For true wound infections, your child can return to day care or school after the fever is gone and your child has received antibiotics for 24 hours.
Call Your Doctor If:
- Wound becomes more painful
- Redness starts to spread
- Pus, drainage or fever occurs
- Your child becomes worse

And remember, contact your doctor if your child develops any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.

Symptom
Description

Should I
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Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

Author and Senior Reviewer: Barton D. Schmitt, M.D.

Last Reviewed: 1/19/2009

Last Revised: 6/24/2008

Content Set: Pediatric HouseCalls Online