How to Treat a Knee Abrasion with Infection?
It is inevitable to encounter some scrapes and bruises in life, especially in summer when wearing thinner clothes. Accidental falls can easily injure the knees. If the knee scrape is just a simple scratch without bleeding, simple disinfection of the wound is sufficient. However, if the knee scrape is severe and has become infected, it is crucial not to attempt self-treatment. Immediate medical attention is necessary to avoid infection and inflammation caused by improper handling.
The surgical principle for treating infected knee scrapes is debridement and drainage. It is important to clean the wound thoroughly to remove all pus and expose fresh granular tissue. In simpler terms, the wound should be cleaned until blood is visible. Prompt dressing of the wound is then necessary. For deeper wounds, saline gauze can be used for drainage. For superficial scrapes, an oily gauze can be applied for coverage, followed by dressing. In some cases, intravenous antibiotics may be prescribed to enhance anti-infective treatment. It is recommended to visit a specialized hospital for a comprehensive examination and diagnosis, and receive timely treatment for infected knee scrapes.
When the skin on the anterior patella of the knee is scraped due to trauma, it is essential to rinse the wound thoroughly with plenty of clean water to effectively remove external contaminants and reduce the risk of infection. Cold water can be used locally to delay swelling and reduce wound seepage. Later, it is necessary to elevate the injured limb and reduce flexion and extension activities of the knee during the acute phase. The wound should be disinfected with iodophor and topical antibiotics such as Baiduotang can be applied. Before the scrape heals, it is advisable to avoid contact with external contaminants to prevent infection and worsening of the wound.
For knee scrapes that are only superficial skin injuries, the most important aspect is the care of the surrounding wound. It is crucial to keep the wound clean and dry. Appropriate disinfectants can be used to disinfect the wound once or twice daily. Maintaining cleanliness and dryness is essential for superficial scrapes to heal well in approximately 5-7 days. For deeper scrapes, it is advisable to seek medical attention as soon as possible for the doctor to assess the need for specialized treatment. In addition to wound care, deeper or larger wounds may require suturing or the use of antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications to prevent and control infection.
