Properly treating open wounds is vital in order to prevent infections that can be far more dangerous than the wounds themselves. The top three infected wound treatments are antibiotics, antiseptics and dressings that contain silver. These treatments are effective whenever there is a laceration, break or incision on the skin. The treatments prevent bacteria from entering the wound and causing infections -- they also help disinfect the skin around the wound and reduce the risk of infections while speeding the healing process. Before using these treatments, it is important to be aware of several things. This will help in choosing the most appropriate treatment for the wounds.
Oral antibiotics are prescribed in cases where bacterial skin infections are diagnosed. Most antibiotics work by rupturing the cell walls of bacteria to stop its growth.
When antibiotics don't work, combination drugs can be tried. These drugs can usually destroy the bacteria that has become resistant to oral antibiotics. Many medications have been approved for this purpose.
Antiseptic solutions that are slow-releasing are used alongside antibiotics to treat wound infections. Antiseptics that contain iodine are very effective when used against different pathogens, making them popular choices when reviewing treatment options for infected wounds.
Metals such as silver are used in treating strains that colonize wounds and have developed resistance to antibiotics. By interfering with the electron transport system of bacteria, silver helps in preventing the multiplication of such bacteria. Sulphadiazine, a solution of sulphonamide and silver, is applied using a polyethylene mesh that releases it slowly. The concentrations are toxic to bacteria but safe for humans.
The most commonly recommended antibiotics for infected wounds include Cephalexin, Amoxicillin and Augmentin.
Concentrated products can cause chemical burns or result in severe irritation of the skin. This makes it important to dilute strong antiseptics before they are used on the skin. Even when the antiseptics have been diluted, prolonged contact should still be avoided. Other precautions to be aware of including not using antiseptics bought from a pharmacy for more than a week and getting the professional advice of a doctor for those who have an allergy.
Silver dressings are associated with a number of benefits when used as a healing agent for wounds. Some of the benefits include reduced healing time for the wound, shorter stays in hospitals, reduced frequency of changing dressings, less pain when wound dressings are changed and reduced need to take pain medication.
Factors such as allergies, the severity of the infection, hepatic and renal functions, age and interaction with other medication must be taken into account when choosing antibiotics. For women, breastfeeding and pregnancy will be considered.