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Treatment of purulent wounds: phases, methods, preparations

A wound is a mechanical injury to body tissues. It can be small or large, benign or life threatening. Minor skin lesions, even suppurating ones, can be treated at home, but it is difficult to cope with serious ones on your own. In such situations, the question arises of how to treat purulent wounds. This should be done by a qualified specialist, sometimes in stationary conditions.

Phases in wound healing and conditions for the formation of purulent processes

In the process of existence and healing of a wound, 3 phases are distinguished:

  • inflammation;
  • regeneration;
  • scar formation and epithelization.

Suppuration of the wound can develop only under certain conditions:

  • in the presence of foreign bodies, dead tissue or accumulated blood, lymph;
  • in the presence of pathogenic microbes in sufficient quantities.

Treatment in the inflammation phase

Treatment of purulent wounds is carried out in accordance with the phases of the process occurring at the site of tissue damage. At the first stage, pus and necrotic tissues are removed, edema is reduced and fluid is released from small blood vessels that occur during inflammation (exudation). In parallel with these processes, the fight against microorganisms is carried out.

Application of ointments and enzyme therapy

At the first stage, it is advisable to treat purulent wounds with hydrophilic water-soluble ointments containing antibiotics, such as Levosin, Levomekol, Mafenida acetate. They are applied to sterile napkins and fixed, one dressing per day is enough. Treatment of purulent wounds is accelerated by the use of enzyme therapy, which helps to remove dead tissue. Today, ointments containing both antibiotics and proteolytic enzymes are produced. For example, the Yugoslav drug Iruksol contains chloramphenicol (an antiseptic) and pentidase (an enzyme).

The use of antiseptic solutions

In addition to ointments, antiseptic solutions (hydrogen peroxide, furacilin, etc.) are used in surgery. However, ongoing studies have revealed their insufficient antibacterial activity in relation to frequent surgical infections. More effective are the preparations of a new generation of antiseptics: Iodopyron, Sodium Hypochloride and Dioxidin.

Physical Therapies

Treatment of purulent wounds with the use of physical methods of treatment (quartz treatment, ultrasonic cavitation, UHF, hyperbaric oxygenation) significantly weakens the purulent process. The use of a high-energy (surgical) laser makes it possible to evaporate pus and necrotic tissue, as well as to achieve complete sterility.

Treatment in the regeneration phase

At the second stage, anti-inflammatory treatment is carried out, the formed granulations are protected, the regeneration of cells and tissues is stimulated. Water-soluble anti-inflammatory ointments and fat-based ointments are used to preserve granulations. You can use herbal preparations: sea buckthorn and rosehip oils, aloe and Kalanchoe juices. The use of a low-frequency (therapeutic) laser will significantly speed up the regeneration process.

Treatment in the phase of epithelialization and scar formation

In the final phase of treatment, it is necessary to accelerate the process of scarring of the wound. This is facilitated by rosehip and sea buckthorn oils, troxevasin ointment and therapeutic laser irradiation.

Finally

Treatment of purulent wounds is a long process. It should be taken seriously and, if possible, avoided.