Danger sign cut fingers skin#

Similarly, red streaks radiating from a wound site could signal a dangerous progression of infection and should be seen by your Primary Care Physician or a provider at PhysicianOne Urgent Care immediately. If a patient develops a fever of 100.4° F or higher, it is important to seek medical attention promptly. Oftentimes oral or topical antibiotics or anti-fungal medications are prescribed to treat an infected cut.

Danger sign cut fingers skin#

This includes common events, such as getting a tattoo, getting a skin piercing, having stitches, vigorously scratching an itch (to the point of breaking the skin), or being stung or bitten by an insect or other animal. It should be noted that infection can occur following any break in the skin.

Monitor the progress of healing carefully and watch for signs of infection (see above). Dress lightly with a bandage to prevent further contamination of the wound site. Wash with soap and running water, and dry with a clean, preferably sterile cloth (consider using an unopened gauze from the drug store). Remove any debris that may have become lodged in the wound (scraped knees, for example, almost always contain dirt and grit). The best way to prevent your cut from becoming infected in the first place is to wash the wound thoroughly, as soon as possible. The patient develops a fever (especially above 100.4° F).Red streaks spread out from the site of the wound.The wound weeps off-color or odorous fluid this pus may be yellow, greenish, or cloudy.The area surrounding the wound becomes swollen, tender to the touch, or painful.The surrounding area becomes red, and this area gets larger over time.There are a number of tell-tale signs that your cut may be infected: An infected wound may fester, which increases the danger of subsequent damage to other parts of the body.

But sometimes, infection takes hold, the invading bacteria multiply, and the wound is unable to heal properly. In many cases, the body is able to repair the damage and fend off infection. Some immune system components work to stop the bleeding, while others rally aggressive defender cells and substances to help fight off invaders. The immune system activates almost immediately in response to a cut, nick, or abrasion. When the skin is broken, after receiving a cut, for example, germs quickly gain entry. Germs may include bacteria, fungi, or even viruses. Intact skin plays an important role in protecting us from germs that might cause infection. Although it is thin enough and sensitive enough to allow us to detect the lightest of touches, it is also strong enough to protect us from the elements. Skin is literally the first line of defense against a wide array of potential threats from the environment. It is also our primary interface with the external environment. Human skin is a surprisingly flexible, resilient organ.