What should I do if a skin wound is inflamed and slightly pus-filled?

Superficial skin wounds with inflammation and slight pus formation require proper management, including thorough wound cleaning, removal of purulent discharge, application of topical antimicrobial agents, covering with sterile dressings, and close monitoring of wound changes. If the area of pus expansion increases, or if fever or worsening pain develops, prompt medical evaluation at a surgery or dermatology clinic is necessary.

1. Thoroughly clean the wound: Gently rinse the wound with normal saline to remove surface debris and residual pus. Then disinfect the wound and surrounding skin with povidone-iodine or medical alcohol to reduce bacterial growth.

2. Remove purulent secretions: Use sterile cotton swabs or gauze soaked in normal saline to gently wipe away purulent discharge from within the wound. Avoid squeezing the wound forcefully to prevent spreading the infection. Ensure the inside of the wound is clean to facilitate better absorption of medication.

3. Apply topical antimicrobial medication: After cleaning, apply prescribed topical antibacterial ointments such as mupirocin ointment or erythromycin ointment to the wound surface to inhibit bacterial growth, control inflammation, and promote healing.

4. Cover with sterile dressing: After applying medication, cover the wound with sterile gauze or a breathable medical dressing to protect it from direct exposure to air and clothing, minimizing the risk of secondary contamination. Maintaining a moist wound environment supports tissue repair.

5. Monitor wound changes: Check the wound daily for signs of pus, redness, swelling, and healing progress. Keep track of any new exudate or foul odor. If symptoms fail to improve or worsen, promptly adjust the treatment approach and seek medical care.

For daily care, keep the wound and surrounding skin dry and avoid contact with water. Wear loose, breathable clothing to minimize friction. Maintain a light diet rich in protein, get adequate rest, and maintain regular sleep patterns to boost immunity and support inflammation resolution and wound recovery.