How to Recognize When to Seek Medical Help for Wounds

Sometimes you fall and scrape your knee, other times you bang your head or worse. No matter the severity of the initial injury, however, there are times when you need to recognize the need to seek medical care. There are several distinct warning signs that should let you know it's time to take action, so be sure you are being vigilant in your care of a wound. Read on to learn how to recognize when to seek medical help for wounds.

Things You'll Need

• Gauze
• Thermometer
• First aid kit
• Antibacterial ointment

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Examine wounds regularly. Visual examination is one of the first best ways to tell if a wound is in need of more medical help.

• 2

  Look for signs of pus or other secretions that may be emanating from wounds. When pus is present, it is often a sign of an infection and will require additional medical attention.

• 3

  Pay close attention to the level of swelling in wounds. Increased swelling could signify the presence of an infection. If the swelling is particularly red or accompanies renewed bleeding, seek immediate medical attention.

• 4

  Ask whether or not there is an increase in the pain of the wound. During the healing process, many wounds will be very sore, but if that soreness is accompanied by burning or other sensations then it is likely infected.

• 5

  Check to see whether or not the patient has any other symptoms of problems associated with the wound. Sometimes an infection will end up mimicking flu-like symptoms or those of a simple fever.