How to Treat Surgical Infections

Surgical infections commonly occur once a patient is back home and in recovery. Your doctor will usually tell you how to prevent infections from developing, but in case an infection occurs, here are the necessary steps you must take in order to keep the condition from getting worse.

Things You'll Need

• Prescription antibiotic
• Supply of bandages
• Clean bedding

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Instructions

Getting Treatment

• 1

  See your physician. Attempting to treat your surgical infection yourself is a bad idea, which is why you must see your doctor as soon as you feel sick to get a proper diagnosis and medication.

• 2

  Get your prescription filled. Depending on the type of surgical infection, your doctor will give you specific antibiotics to help fight it. Some of the medications given include azithromycin, vancomycin and mupirocin.

• 3

  Follow the directions closely. Be sure to take your dosage at the times indicated on the prescription, because missing a dose can cause complications, such as the infection building a resistance to the medication.

• 4

  Keep your surgical wound clean. To prevent future infections, change your bandages frequently until the wound heals. It is important for a speedy recovery.

• 5

  Change your bedding frequently. Clean sheets prevent the possibility of reinfection, so change your bedding every few days.