Laceration: Closed Wound Infection

You have a laceration, or a cut through the skin. It has been repaired and closed with stitches, but the cut has become infected. Infection is more likely to occur if:

• The wound was deep or a puncture wound. These types of wounds are more difficult to clean. Dirt or particles were deep into the wound at the time of injury.
• You have diabetes, HIV infection or other problem that affects your immune system.
• You are taking medicine that affects your immune system.
• Home care of the laceration was not followed carefully.
• Treatment of an infected repair may require removal of some or all of the stitches.
• You may need to take oral antibiotic medicine to treat the infection. 

Home care

• If antibiotics have been prescribed, take them exactly as directed. Do not stop taking them until they are gone or you are told to stop, even if you feel better. 
• Follow the healthcare provider’s instructions on how to care for the cut.
• Unless otherwise instructed, change the bandage twice a day for the first few days, until the drainage stops.
• Then change it once a day. Change the bandage if it becomes wet, stained with wound fluid or dirty. 

Clean the wound daily:

• After removing the bandage, gently wash the area with soap and water. Use a wet cotton swab to loosen and remove any blood or crust that forms.
• After cleaning, apply a thin layer of over-the-counter antibiotic ointment if advised. Reapply a fresh bandage.
• Follow the healthcare provider's instructions for keeping the wound dry. You may be given restrictions on showering or tub baths.
• If the bandage gets wet, remove it. Gently pat the wound dry with a clean cloth, then replace the wet bandage with a dry one.
• Do not scratch, rub or pick at the area.
• Wash your hands with soap and warm water before and after cleaning the wound or changing the bandage. 

Follow-up care

• Follow up with your healthcare provider, or as advised.
• It is important to follow up to make sure the infection is improving. 

When to seek medical advice

Call your healthcare provider right away if any of these occur:

• Symptoms do not improve
• Wound pain, redness, or swelling increases
• Red streaks spread from the wound
• Increase in pus coming from the wound
• Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as directed by your healthcare provider