As we are all aware that our body is created with an amazing ability to heal themselves, ooze is one of the ways for our wound to heal.
After the forced rubbing between the skin and an abrasive object, usually our skin will get scraped or even bleed. Once the blood has stopped and a scab has been produced by our body, our immune system starts to kick in. Right before this phase occurred, you might see your wound oozing some fluids. This fluid will help to clear the wound and also its setting before then the scab will cover your wound from any foreign object.
IF MY WOUND OOZE, IS IT A SIGN OF INFECTION?
As stated above that a wound naturally will undergo a phase where it will ooze fluid. However, if your wound keeps oozing for after 4 days, it might not always be a good sign. This can be an alarm system that your body makes to tell you that your wound is infected.
You might need to assess your wound further if your wound is still oozing once your scab has been produced. The reason behind this thought is because scab is usually dry and does not ooze anymore. If your scab is still oozing with yellow-ish or pink-ish fluid, it might be a sign that your wound is infected.
WHY DOES MY WOUND KEEP OOZING?
When there is no a hundred percent certain answer for this question, most probably your wound keep oozing because it is undergoing a phase of healing which is the good reason or looking at the other side, it might be a sign of infection that you might want to prevent.
An infection that can cause your wound to keep oozing is most of the times happen because your wound gets in contact with germs or bad bacteria. In addition to that, your overall body immune system as well as your lifestyle can also be the reason why your wound keeps oozing or get infected.
If you are a smoker or a heavy drinker, the risk for your wound to keep oozing because of infection is always higher than those who are not.
HOW TO TAKE CARE AN OOZING WOUND
If your wound ooze, as your first care it is always good to clean the ooze with soft cloth. This is important because wound that is oozing might produce pus that has been infected by germs and bad bacteria and it can also infect other people as well as the surrounding area.
Applying antibiotic ointment can also help to kill germs and bad bacteria that cause your wound to ooze or infected. However, applying this type of ointment might not be recommended if you have a history of allergic reaction toward certain type of antibiotic. Seeing your doctor is needed for this case.
Change the dressing each day is important for wound that is oozing, considering that ooze is a very ideal breeding ground for germs and bacteria that can cause a worse infection for your wound. Do not forget to keep your hands clean before you practice any treatment for your wound.
Covering your wound after treatment every day is also suggested by paramedic nowadays as studies show that wound that is kept moist will heal faster that wound that is not. This is because bandage keeps your wound from producing extensive scab as the air dry out. Covering your wound can also protect your wound from the bacteria and germs that are flying in the air. It is can also enhance the growth of new skin tissues.
WHEN TO SEEK FOR PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ASSISTANCE?
If you have practiced all the steps above and your wound is still oozing after days, it is always best to seek for professional medical help. Especially is your wound setting gets red or you notice a spider web look-a-like line from your wound striking to your heart. This type of infection sign is the one that positively needs further assessment as it might be life-threatening.