How to Disinfect a wound???

Question

I've got a small open wound on my stomach. It's definitely infected, red around it, quite painful, greenish-yellow pus filling inside it.

My question is, apart from going to the docs to get anti biotics, is there anything else i can do? Because it's been getting worse.

Cheers

Answer 1

Put alcohol on it or that stuff that comes in a brown container called hydrogen peroxide.

Answer 2

Do NOT put peroxide on it - peroxide is only good if you don't already have an infection.

It is infected and you need antibiotics -- go to the doctor ASAP - especially since it has been getting worse.    

Answer 3

Peroxide...then definetly go see a doctor.

then some more peroxide.

Answer 4

The appropriate treatment depends on if the wound also feels like it is burning, the extent of the puss, how large the red aura around the wound it, and most importantly, how deep the wound it.

The use of superficial antimicrobials such as rubbing alcohol and peroxide are generally discouraged after the initial injury because it kills both bacteria and your cells.  Your cells include both white blood cells and skin cells that are trying to heal.  So the nurse practisioner that answered above me is correct in that regards, but they typically employ antibiotics.

However, the immune system releases the same thing.  Certain immune cells release peroxide themselves to fight off infection.  So, peroxide is not a foreign substance.

If the wound is less than 1/4" deep, infection is rampant, and you can't get to a doctor for antibiotics, then there are a few slash-and-burn things that you can do to give your body the edge.  This method is more likely to generate a scar because it stimulates a stronger immune response...

Prep your supplies.  Take a recently laundered cotton wash cloth, wet it thoroughly, place it onto a clean plate and microwave it for 30-45 seconds.  While it cools, wash your hands thoroughly followed by an alcohol wash and air dry.  Be careful about what you touch so you don't pick up new bacteria.  You'll need to prepare a wash solution as well. The wash solution should have half a teaspoon of salt and one drop of detergent in a cup of warm water.  Then use rubbing alcohol to sanitize an area of at least six inches around your wound.

Wring out the excess water from your sanitized cloth in the microwave.  Re-wet it with your wash solution.  You'll want to lightly abrade the wound with the wash cloth as you clean out the wound, which will likely result in some bleeding.  Never use the same wiping part of the cloth on the wound twice.  This is not helpful for removing infection.  Some lidocaine will help with the pain.  Set the used cloth to the side after wiping out the wound at least six times.

Then soak a cotton ball in hydrogen peroxide and let it sit on the wound  for a few minutes while you are laying down.  Rotate the ball half way and wipe the wound clean with the non-contact side.  Repeat this two or three more times with fresh, clean cotton balls.

This has killed or removed most of what is in the wound.  Next, if the wound is less than 1/4" deep, put some Neosporin or other triple antibiotic on the wound and dress with a sterile bandage.  Replace the bandage twice a day for the first three days and then daily after that.  Triple antibiotic is good to apply for one or two more days, but keep in mind that one of the antibotics in a triple antibiotic works against your cells doing the repair.

If this does not resolve your issue, then you may have a staph aureus or related infection and you should seek professional medical attention.