Infections

[Syvelocin]

Does anyone really know about infections? Because I have a few further questions.

First, are there different degrees of infection? I only hear about infections that are bad and need medical attention. But is there milder infections that will go away with time? (This question will make more sense when I go into further detail later).

And second, do you have to have all the symptoms to have an infection? Like, oozing puss and such?

Because a lot of my cuts actually get really inflamed almost. I hate to be talking about this specifically, and not in the Psych Ward as well, but I need a few answers. Well, this one cut I did about ten days ago maybe, It's just red and really hurts when I bump it accidentally. Even the night I got my recent tattoo, the area around that tattoo was about half as red as this cut is come ten days later, and they did go pretty deep with the tattoo, all a detail needle instead of a shading needle, and it was my wrist as well so quite close to the bone. All of my self-inflicted cuts are quite red compared to accidental injuries or whatever. I thought maybe it might have been a dull blade, but I have about ten, four are new, and each one I used did the same. This particular cut though, it's quite long by accident. Not bad in depth, but it's on an interesting area of my leg so it is a bit uncomfortable walking.

But yeah, it's just been really red, and still just as red. I thought it was fine but as I think about it I'm just getting ideas and being my typical anxious self. So no, I've never had cuts oozing pus or something, never. That's where my first question comes in, as this redness happens with a lot of them yet this one is a bit worse in that category. But I've never got an infection as far as I'm concerned. As well with the second question.

So am I just a worry wart or is there something more to this?

[Magenta]

Typically, the redness and inflammation will go away. I have a couple like that but they're still healing normally. I think it's just your body's natural response to some cuts. If it's red and there's an unusual amount of heat on the skin around it, it's a type of infection but will go away. If it does get any pus, keep an eye on it but you don't need to worry until it's really oozing pus all day.

(Have been dealing with infections for years in my damn toe so I know the drill. xD)

If you're really worried, put something like neosporin on it and it should be fine.

[ShatteredWings]

It doesn't sound infected, but highly irritated.

Also to answer your earlier questions, yes there are different degrees of infections. I've had several minor infections that needed time and cleaned regularlly.

Keep it clean, and I'd suggest a gause pad or something to have a buffer between the cut and anything else it might bump against

[Josiah7]

My Specialty :P

Basically, any open wound can become infected. It can become infected by the cause (Ie dirty sharp object). The skin is the largest organ in the body, and is the main factor in protecting against infection. Infection with wounds can become serious - if not taken care of. Any open wound needs to be cleaned and covered after the occurance of the injury.

Infections that are minor usually pass on their own, but if they become bigger - can lead to alot of trouble. Keep em washed and cleaned (As in link)

I have done a write up on cleaning and dressing wounds here:

http://www.virtualteen.org/forums/showthread.php?t=103605

The main thing to do, is keep it clean. Also keep it covered - it is a myth a uncovered wound heals quickly. Make sure if a wound is dirty, you go and see a Doctor for proper cleaning. After dressing it, make sure you re clean and dress it daily.

Infections can be minor, but can spread throughout the body - which can be fatal. Any wound no matter how small can result in infection. Back in the Middle Ages, a minor cut could kill you - due to infection. Luckily things have changed. A wound can be seen as infected if;

-Really Sore
-Smelly
-Very red (More a red line leading away or around the wound)
-Pussy Substance (White Blood Cells, which fight infection)
-Headaches/Fever
-Pain at Glands, such as in your armpit, neck, and groin area.
-Tenderness

If you think a wound may be infected - you need to see a doctor. There are many ways to reduce this happening - these can be found in the above link. I would also recommend you are up to date on Tetanus shots.

I hope that covers it, I would bore you with more but really tired. If you want any further answers or advice, from someone know knows what they are talking about in this area - just PM me or Dimitri.

:D

[Dimitri]

My Specialty :P

Basically, any open wound can become infected. It can become infected by the cause (Ie dirty sharp object). The skin is the largest organ in the body, and is the main factor in protecting against infection. Infection with wounds can become serious - if not taken care of. Any open wound needs to be cleaned and covered after the occurance of the injury.

Infections that are minor usually pass on their own, but if they become bigger - can lead to alot of trouble. Keep em washed and cleaned (As in link)

I have done a write up on cleaning and dressing wounds here:

http://www.virtualteen.org/forums/showthread.php?t=103605

The main thing to do, is keep it clean. Also keep it covered - it is a myth a uncovered wound heals quickly. Make sure if a wound is dirty, you go and see a Doctor for proper cleaning. After dressing it, make sure you re clean and dress it daily.

Infections can be minor, but can spread throughout the body - which can be fatal. Any wound no matter how small can result in infection. Back in the Middle Ages, a minor cut could kill you - due to infection. Luckily things have changed. A wound can be seen as infected if;

-Really Sore
-Smelly
-Very red (More a red line leading away or around the wound)
-Pussy Substance (White Blood Cells, which fight infection)
-Headaches/Fever
-Pain at Glands, such as in your armpit, neck, and groin area.
-Tenderness

If you think a wound may be infected - you need to see a doctor. There are many ways to reduce this happening - these can be found in the above link. I would also recommend you are up to date on Tetanus shots.

I hope that covers it, I would bore you with more but really tired. If you want any further answers or advice, from someone know knows what they are talking about in this area - just PM me or Dimitri.

:D
Perfect answer but to go a little further and I can expand upon my answer if you would like but when talking more about infects there are different types. The determination of the type depends on the vector/host (how it was contracted and where it resides) to the level (acute, chronic, terminal) and then the layers of the traveled infect (dermis, sub-dural, basal layer, subcutaneous layers) and thne it also depends on the types of infection inculding the patients allergies and medications they are currently taking.

[Syvelocin]

Thanks everyone. :)

I don't think it's infected, unless it is a milder one, because it's just really red. It's been closed for a while now, just irritated. I tend to think a lot and worry though. But now I know for the future as well.