Good and bad bacteria are on every surface around us, including us. We don"t usually think about this…until we get a cut or scrape that breaks the skin.
An infection occurs when too many harmful bacteria multiply in wound, and overwhelm our body’s efforts to contain them. Here are key signs to watch for, to catch an infection early and to start first aid to stop its spread.
Causes of Infection
Certain types of wounds are more likely to become infected. While any wound can become infected if not properly treated, the following are more likely to do so:
Burns - Any kind of burn can be subject to infection because the top protective layer of skin has been removed
Bites - Bacteria present in a mouth, combined with punctures that place bacteria deep into wounds, are ripe for growing bacteria
Surgery - While surgeries are carefully performed under germ-free conditions, they open the body past the usual protective layers, giving easier access to any bacteria that might be present
Trauma - This includes any skin opening that is created by force that can press germs into the skin, such as a cut, scrape, smash, etc.
Signs of Infection
Fluid/Pus - Normally a wound will release clear liquid as it drains; dark yellow, red or green liquid (pus) is a sign that infection has set in that the body is trying to fight
Redness - If the skin around a wound becomes bright red and hot to the touch, the wound is infected
Internal infection - If lymph nodes close to the wound become enlarged – like tender pencil erasers – this could be a sign that there is an infection nearby
Other Signs
Fever and/or chills
A foul smell
Red lines extending outward from the wound
General flu-like symptoms
Since infections can worsen and spread within a matter of days, sometimes hours, ANY of these signs calls for immediate medical attention.
Basic Treatment of Infections
Thorough cleansing of the wound. This includes soap and water, and can include anti-bacterial solutions such as hydrogen peroxide; a healthcare provider may need to do an especially thorough cleaning job. This reduces the bacteria in the area, and removes blood and other material that the bacteria can grow on.
Antibiotics - These can come in the form of oral medication, ointments, or creams. Antibiotics kill or stop the growth of bad bacteria, allowing the body’s immune system to fight the infection more efficiently. While you can buy ointments or creams like Polysporin or Neosporin over the counter, oral antibiotics require a prescription.
NSAIDs – Medicines like ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve) can help decrease swelling in the infected area. They can also reduce fever caused by the infection and reduce pain from both the initial injury and the infection itself. These can be purchased without a doctor"s prescription.
Dr. Bunten is originally from Huntington Beach, CA. He attended high school in Tokyo, Japan, went to college at UC San Diego and then to medical school in the Midwest. He returned home to California for residency training in Family Medicine at Long Beach Memorial Medical Center. His immediate family all reside in Huntington Beach.
Dr Fishbein has been in the practice of family medicine for over 35 years in Irvine. He received his undergraduate degree from Southern Illinois University, medical degree from Chicago Medical School, and completed his family medicine residency at Memorial Hospital of Long Beach.
Dr. Kim is the Medical Director of Family Care Centers, Chair of the Department of Family Medicine at Hoag Hospital, and a recipient of the Physicians of Excellence award from the Orange County Medical Association. He is Board Certified in Family Medicine, and has been practicing in our community for over 20 years.
Dr. Memon is a board certified Family Medicine physician and recently completed her fellowship in Geriatrics at the University of California, Irvine Medical Center. She attended Saint George’s University, School of Medicine and completed her residency at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center. Her interest in medicine started at an early age and has since evolved into a passionate career.
Dr. Gina Nguyen obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at UC Irvine where she graduated Suma Cum Laude. She went to USC Keck School of Medicine, and returned to UC Irvine for a Family Medicine Residency. Since 2005, she worked at Kaiser Permanente, VNCOC, and Family Care Center Urgent Care.
Dr. Williams is Board Certified in Family Medicine and Sports Medicine. He is a native to Orange County and returned home after completing his medical degree at the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque. After completing his residency in family practice he successfully completed a fellowship in sports medicine.
Dr. Hye Lee is a board-certified Family Practice Physician, affiliated with the American Osteopathic Association and the American College of Osteopathic Family Practice.She obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at UC Riverside and earned her medical degree from Des Moines University Osteopathic Medical Center. Afterward, she did her internship at Downey Regional Medical Center in California and has been a primary care physician since 2005.
Dr. Coyne is a board certified family practice physician and a California native. He completed his undergraduate degree at UCLA before earning his medical degree at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. Dr Coyne spent 6 years in the US Air Force at Andrews and Luke Air Force bases, eventually separating as a Major. He enjoys working with patients of all ages.”
Dr. Jay Friehling is a Family Practice physician who has worked in Orange County since 1981. Born in Florida, he received his undergraduate degree from Cornell University and then earned a Medical Degree at the New York Medical College.” His healthcare interests include Diabetes, Geriatric Care, and Hospice Care.
Dr. Jennifer Shoquist is board certified in Family Medicine. Her special interest is woman’s health and her practice accepts patients from 6 years old to seniors. Dr. Shoquist received her M.D. degree at The University of Texas Medical School at Houston in Houston, Texas, and did her residency with Memorial Family Practice at memorial Southwest Hospital in Houston, Texas.
Dr. Tom is a board certified family medicine physician and native Californian. He received his bachelors of science with great distinction in biochemistry and honors in chemistry. Dr. Tom was awarded a Regents Scholarship to attend medical school at UC Irvine.
Dr. Yan attended Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed her Family Practice residency at Kern Medical Center in Bakersfield, California. She joined Family Care Center in 2001. She chose Family Practice because she enjoys working with a wide variety of people and because it provides a unique opportunity for continuing care.
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