Comprehensive treatment for infected wounds—biofilm disruption, antimicrobial therapy, and systemic antibiotics.
Wound infections are a major barrier to healing and can lead to serious complications including sepsis, tissue death, and amputation. All chronic wounds contain bacteria, but infection occurs when bacterial load overwhelms the body's immune defenses. Effective infection management combines aggressive debridement, antimicrobial dressings, systemic antibiotics when needed, and biofilm disruption.
The cornerstone of infection management. Sharp debridement removes infected tissue, biofilm, and reduces bacterial load by 90% in a single session. Infected wounds often require debridement at every visit until infection resolves.
Silver, iodine, or PHMB-impregnated dressings kill bacteria on contact and prevent biofilm reformation. Silver dressings are effective against MRSA, Pseudomonas, and other resistant bacteria. Changed every 2-3 days for maximum effectiveness.
Reserved for wounds with spreading cellulitis, systemic signs of infection, or deep tissue involvement. Antibiotics are selected based on wound culture results when possible. Duration typically 7-14 days depending on infection severity.
Biofilm is a protective layer bacteria create that shields them from antibiotics and immune cells. Requires mechanical disruption through debridement combined with antimicrobial agents that penetrate biofilm. Wounds with biofilm won't heal until it's removed.
Go to the emergency room immediately if you experience:
• Fever above 101°F with chills
• Rapid spreading redness (advancing more than 1 inch per hour)
• Black or purple discoloration around wound
• Confusion, dizziness, or rapid heart rate
• Red streaks extending from wound toward body
Preventing infection is easier than treating it. Keep wounds clean and properly dressed. Change dressings as instructed. Maintain good blood sugar control if diabetic. Avoid touching wounds with unwashed hands. Never use tap water to clean wounds—only sterile saline. Report any signs of infection to your wound care team immediately.
Common signs of infection include increasing pain, redness spreading beyond the wound edges, warmth, swelling, pus or cloudy drainage, and a foul odor. Fever, chills, or feeling generally unwell may indicate a systemic infection and require immediate medical attention.
Superficial infections can sometimes be controlled with aggressive debridement and antimicrobial dressings alone. However, deeper infections, cellulitis, or systemic symptoms typically require oral or intravenous antibiotics. Your wound care specialist determines the appropriate level of treatment.
Infected wounds require close monitoring and often need debridement two to three times per week until the infection resolves. Antimicrobial dressings must be changed frequently to maintain effectiveness. Early detection of worsening infection helps prevent serious complications and hospitalization.
Specialized burn treatment with advanced dressings—preventing infection and minimizing scarring.
Healix360 Advanced mobile wound care specialists connecting patients with regenerative healing solutions. Medicare Part B accepted.
6618 San Fernando Rd Glendale Ca 91201
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