How Can Infection Around A Cut Wound Be Confirmed?

Posted on Sun, 8 Jan 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 8 Jan 2017 Answered on

Tue, 7 Feb 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : Signs of infection on a cut on a 6 year old

Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (29 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Questions so that I can help:

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Can you please upload a few very clear pictures? you can use the "upload reports" button.

Is it painful?
How big is the cut?
What signs of infection are there?
Is there redness that is spreading?
What was the cause of the injury? And when did it occur?
Has he had all of his immunizations (including tetanus?)

Information to follow after I hear back from you - thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (18 minutes later)

Unsure how to send picture

He fell yesterday it's a flap of skin on the
Palm of his hand we cleaned it but redness is around it no fever

He has had all his shots not sure about tetnas size of area about 1/4 "

Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Information

Detailed Answer:
I can't say for sure without seeing it, but if the redness is not extensive, you can try heat a few times a day. He can soak his hand in very warm water, or put a very warm wet wash cloth on it. If, however, the redness is increasing (and not just from the heat that's applied), then take him in to be seen.

If he had all of his shots, then he should be covered for tetanus.

Neosporin antibiotic ointment is fine to use here as long as that is not the cause of the redness (some people react to it).

If the redness is spreading though, or worsening, do take hime in to be seen please.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar